Bill > H704

This bill establishes a dedicated "Right Whale and Endangered Sea Life Research and Protection Fund" to protect endangered marine life in Massachusetts coastal waters. The fund will be managed by the division of coastal zone management and will be used to purchase or lease equipment, vessels, and technologies aimed at reducing fatalities of right whales, sea turtles, and other endangered species. This includes supporting efforts by the Northeast Implementation Team and its member organizations. The bill also outlines a grant program prioritizing public higher education institutions and non-profit corporations within the Commonwealth that have a proven track record in right whale and endangered sea life research. Funds will be prioritized for developing data on interactions between northern right whales, endangered species, and vessels, improving mandatory ship reporting systems, enhancing fishing and lobstering gear, and developing better remote monitoring and acoustical/optical systems. The fund will be replenished through gifts, grants, appropriations, donations, federal reimbursements, interest earned, and proceeds from special obligation bond sales, with the state treasurer responsible for investing these funds. The bill also authorizes the issuance of up to $5,000,000 in bonds to help fund these expenditures, with these bonds designated as general obligations of the Commonwealth and payable by June 30, 2036. The director of coastal zone management will be required to report annually on the fund's income, expenditures, and balances to legislative committees.