Bill Overview
Title: Right Whale Coexistence Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides support for the conservation of North Atlantic right whales ( Eubalaena glacialis ). Specifically, it requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide financial assistance for projects designed to reduce the lethal and sub-lethal effects of human activities on North Atlantic right whales. In addition, NOAA must conduct surveys of plankton on an ongoing basis using a continuous plankton recorder.
Sponsors: Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
Target Audience
Population: People whose economic or environmental interests are affected by North Atlantic right whale conservation
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The bill targets the conservation of North Atlantic right whales.
- North Atlantic right whales are mainly located along the eastern coast of North America.
- Efforts to improve whale conservation can impact those involved in marine and coastal activities such as shipping and fishing.
- Right whale conservation affects ecological efforts globally due to whale migrations.
- There are international stakeholders in marine conservation who may be indirectly affected.
- Tourism industries based on whale watching may be affected.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on conserving the North Atlantic right whale by enhancing protection measures against human activities.
- The targeted population is involved in marine and coastal activities such as fishing, shipping, conservation, and whale-watching tourism around the eastern U.S.
- The funds are limited, necessitating prioritization on high-impact areas and projects that can significantly benefit whale conservation.
- Most people in the U.S. might not be directly impacted by the policy, as it is regionally focused along the Atlantic coast.
- We've included individuals in sectors that are both directly and indirectly affected by marine activities.
- Stakeholders such as fishermen and shipping companies might face higher regulations and operational changes, while tourism could see both positive and negative impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Fisherman (Maine)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about how new regulations might limit my fishing areas and increase costs.
- However, I understand the importance of preserving marine life. Hopefully, there can be a balanced approach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Marine Biologist (Massachusetts)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides much needed funding and focus to conserve right whales.
- I'm optimistic that with proper implementation, this could be a turning point for conservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tourism Operator (Florida)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reviving the whale population could boost my business, but I worry about restrictions from here on.
- Cooperation between environmentalists and businesses will be key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Shipping Company Manager (Georgia)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Operational costs might increase with changes in shipping routes.
- However, being eco-friendly is an important company value, so it might improve our corporate image.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (North Carolina)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill is a great step towards protecting right whales, aligning with our conservation goals.
- Raising community awareness will enhance the policy's success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Port Authority Officer (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New requirements might add to our operational workload, but we are prepared to adapt.
- Maintaining marine biodiversity is crucial even in complex logistical environments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Marine Policy Researcher (Maryland)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The long-term success of policies like this depends on accurate data and adaptable strategies.
- This could enhance our understanding of the species and influence international policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Freight Logistics Coordinator (New Jersey)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adjustments will be necessary to meet new environmental regulations.
- It is manageable, but will require strategic planning and potential temporary disruptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Coastal Ecologist (South Carolina)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The additional funding will bolster current conservation projects.
- This is an encouraging move towards preserving our coastal ecosystems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Seafarer (Virginia)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is heartening to see the government taking responsibility for marine environmental issues.
- While shipping might face challenges, better conservation will benefit future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $18000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $22000000)
Year 3: $17000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost of continuous plankton recorder operations might increase if whale populations move to new areas.
- Fuel costs for ships could rise due to altered routes aiming to avoid whale habitats.
- Development of new technologies for safer marine operations might offset initial costs in the long run.