Bill > A08515

This bill, known as the "whale awareness act," directs the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to create recommendations and educational materials aimed at reducing interactions between marine mammals and vessels. These interactions are defined as any actions that could injure or disturb marine mammals by disrupting their natural behaviors like migration, feeding, or breeding. The DEC will consult with various agencies, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in developing these materials. The recommendations will be made publicly available on the DEC's website and will be provided to owners of party or charter boats, individuals taking boating safety courses, and, starting December 31, 2028, to all vessel registrants in certain counties. The bill also amends existing laws to integrate these educational materials into boating safety programs and vessel registration processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8515