Bill > H919

This bill establishes a comprehensive five-year program to protect marine wildlife, particularly endangered whale species in Massachusetts, through several key actions. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) will conduct annual reviews starting in January 2026 to assess the impact of marine fisheries licensing and vessel activities on endangered marine wildlife listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). In collaboration with organizations like NOAA and the New England Aquarium, NHESP will publish annual reports documenting whale sightings and injuries from human activities in Gulf of Maine coastal waters. The program will also annually evaluate the potential designation of areas in Cape Cod Bay as significant habitats for Northern Right Whales. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, NHESP will issue "Sustainable Fishing" licenses to commercial crab and lobster harvesters using innovative gear that prevents harm to marine wildlife, with an initial cap of 25 licenses per year that can increase over time. Notably, the bill establishes a significant economic valuation of $2,000,000 for each Northern Right Whale, treating any killing or serious injury as an equivalent economic loss to the Commonwealth, which could incentivize stronger protective measures.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H919