Grant Program to Protect Whales and Support Ocean Users' Coexistence
This act establishes a $10 million competitive grant program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aimed at reducing lethal interactions between ocean users (fishers, tourists, mariners) and large cetacean species, particularly North Atlantic right whales. The funding supports research into innovative avoidance technologies and awareness efforts, helping protect endangered species while minimizing regulatory impact on small maritime businesses. Crucially, existing vessel strike reduction rules for North Atlantic right whales cannot be amended or tightened until the end of 2030.
Key points
Regulatory Freeze: Existing federal rules regarding North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction cannot be amended, updated, or modified until December 31, 2030.
Innovation Grants: Establishes a $10 million grant program to fund research, deployment, and testing of innovative technologies that reduce or eliminate harmful interactions between ocean users and large whales.
Economic Priority: Grant priority is given to applications that include cooperation among ocean users and demonstrate potential economic benefits for small businesses reliant on fishing, tourism, and maritime activities.
Program Administration: The grant program will be managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, focusing on developing on-the-water approaches and disseminating relevant management information.
Expired
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