Requires large vessels to establish whale strike prevention policies and sets penalties for non-compliance.

The bill mandates that owners of commercial vessels over 500 feet in length must establish whale interaction prevention policies. These policies must be submitted to the relevant authorities and include considerations such as scientific understanding, technology, and vessel-specific factors. The Department of Environmental Conservation will review these policies for compliance. Failure to comply with the policy requirements results in fines. The bill also ensures that these provisions do not conflict with existing speed restrictions or other laws.

Requires large vessels to establish whale strike prevention policies and sets penalties for non-compliance.

The bill mandates that owners of commercial vessels over 500 feet in length must establish whale interaction prevention policies. These policies must be submitted to the relevant authorities and include considerations such as scientific understanding, technology, and vessel-specific factors. The Department of Environmental Conservation will review these policies for compliance. Failure to comply with the policy requirements results in fines. The bill also ensures that these provisions do not conflict with existing speed restrictions or other laws.