To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program to foster enhanced coexistence between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales and other large cetacean species.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · August 1, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
This bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program aimed at reducing harmful interactions between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales and other large whales. The grants would fund research and development of avoidance technologies, awareness campaigns, on-the-water coexistence strategies, and improved communication systems to prevent lethal and non-lethal whale injuries caused by fishing, shipping, and maritime activities. The bill authorizes $10 million in funding to be administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with grants awarded annually to eligible entities including state and local governments, nonprofits, research institutions, and ocean user groups like fishing and shipping industries. The bill also freezes existing North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction regulations at their 2022 levels through December 31, 2030, preventing them from being amended or replaced during that period. The Secretary must report to Congress every two years on the effectiveness of funded projects.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.