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 certain 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: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in marine industries, marine conservation, and environmental science
Estimated Size: 50000
- The legislation primarily aims to protect North Atlantic right whales, a species at risk due to human activities.
- Conservation efforts for whales often involve regulating maritime activities, which can affect the fishing industry and shipping companies.
- The environmental impact on plankton also connects to broader ecological implications, potentially affecting species that depend on plankton as a primary food source.
Reasoning
- The target population primarily includes those involved in marine industries such as fishing and shipping, as well as professionals in marine conservation and environmental science. This is a diverse group with varying degrees of impact based on their specific roles.
- Fishing and shipping industries may face potential restrictions which could alter their operations, leading to a mix of positive and negative responses depending on the individual's reliance on affected activities.
- Marine conservationists and environmental scientists are likely to view the policy favorably, as it aligns with ecological preservation goals.
- Geographical distribution focuses on US eastern seaboard, including areas from Maine to Florida due to proximity to the whale's habitat.
- The policy's funding might support research and innovation in marine technologies, impacting job opportunities and industry practices.
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Fisherman (Gloucester, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might impose more restrictions on fishing gear or areas, which could reduce my catch.
- I'm concerned about potential changes in regulations that could negatively affect my livelihood.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Marine Conservation Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled about the increased funding for whale conservation. It's a significant step towards protecting marine ecosystems.
- This policy creates more job opportunities in conservation, which is my passion.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Ship Captain (Newport News, VA)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Navigational regulations might become stricter, causing potential delays in shipping routes.
- The conservation efforts are necessary, but they could increase operational costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental NGO Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns well with my organization's goals to protect marine life, and I'm excited about the potential positive impacts.
- The funding for plankton surveys could reveal important ecological insights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Marine Biologist (Charleston, SC)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a positive development for marine research, and I expect it to enhance our understanding of the ecosystems.
- Increased funding will support long-term studies crucial for effective conservation.
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 | 9 | 7 |
Cargo Logistic Manager (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There might be logistical challenges due to new navigational rules, but overall, the impact might not be significant on day-to-day operations.
- Environmental initiatives often lead to advancements in sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (Bar Harbor, ME)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy represents more opportunities for students like me interested in conservation.
- It's encouraging as it suggests future job availability in the field I'm pursuing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting right whale conservation aligns with sustainable maritime policy goals.
- I see long-term ecological benefits that outweigh short-term economic adjustments.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Shipping Company Executive (Portland, ME)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's an expected increase in compliance costs, but our company supports sustainable practices.
- The policy will necessitate strategic adjustments but aligns with environmental commitments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Plankton Research Scientist (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ongoing plankton surveys are crucial for understanding marine food webs.
- The policy's emphasis on plankton could lead to new discoveries and insights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of financial assistance programs in achieving conservation goals.
- Resistance or compliance costs to industries that may be affected by new regulations.
- Similarity of benefits to cost modifications if whale populations recover as expected.