Bill Overview
Title: SAFE SEAS Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes grants for states to assist lobster and Jonah crab harvesters with the costs of gear modifications in accordance with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
Sponsors: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: Lobster and Jonah crab harvesters and their communities
Estimated Size: 100000
- The bill is primarily focused on Atlantic fisheries, specifically those involved in lobster and Jonah crab harvesting.
- There are distinct regions where commercial lobster and Jonah crab fishing are significant, such as the northeastern United States and parts of eastern Canada.
- The Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan impacts fisheries across the Atlantic coastline, particularly in the US where regulatory policies are enforced.
- The bill provides grants, which implies direct beneficiaries are those engaged economically in these fisheries.
Reasoning
- The target population is primarily composed of individuals and communities engaged in lobster and Jonah crab harvesting, which are concentrated in the northeastern United States.
- The budget allows for $400,000,000 over 10 years, which may cover a significant portion of required gear modifications for those directly engaged in the industry.
- Not everyone involved in these fisheries will be directly impacted to the same degree, as some harvesters may already have compliant gear or have other mitigation strategies in place.
- Indirect benefits might also ripple through these communities, as successful harvesters can boost local economies and job markets.
- Those outside of the immediate lobster and Jonah crab fisheries are likely to see little to no direct impact from the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Lobster Harvester (Portland, Maine)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will ease the financial burden of gear modifications.
- It helps ensure that we comply with sustainability regulations, which is crucial for the long-term future of the industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Jonah Crab Harvester (New Bedford, Massachusetts)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This grant would be invaluable in helping new businesses like mine.
- It allows us to invest in necessary equipment while focusing on growth and sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Marine Scientist (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant helps align economic and environmental goals for fisheries.
- I'm hopeful it will lead to more compliance and reduced harm to whale populations.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Fishing Gear Supplier (Gloucester, Massachusetts)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We anticipate an increase in gear orders due to this policy.
- It's a positive measure for local businesses and environmental compliance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Government Officer (Augusta, Maine)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy supports both economic and environmental aspects of our community.
- If executed well, it will provide long-term sustainability for our fisheries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (Providence, Rhode Island)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant approach is supportive, but we need more stringent regulations.
- Direct impact on whale populations is still a primary concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Seafood Distributor (Charleston, South Carolina)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I do not expect significant change from this policy outside of niche product lines.
- It might indirectly affect our sourcing strategies.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Crab Harvester (Lewes, Delaware)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Assistance with gear is a great help, ensuring compliance isn't solely out-of-pocket.
- It will help preserve crabbing as a viable occupation.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Restaurant Owner (New York, New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support policies that ensure a reliable and sustainable seafood supply.
- Indirect impacts may encourage diversity in seafood products.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Lobster Fisherwomen (Machias, Maine)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy supports sustainable practices which align with our cooperative's goals.
- Lower costs mean more resources for other sustainability initiatives.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 5: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 10: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 100: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy addresses both economic assistance and environmental sustainability, balancing industry needs with environmental compliance.
- Efforts to adhere to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan are crucial in mitigating penalties and ensuring market access.
- State-specific allocations are necessary to address variations in fishery sizes and geographic challenges.