Bill Overview
Title: Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program.
Sponsors: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in sea turtle conservation activities
Estimated Size: 2000
- The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program is likely aimed at organizations and individuals that work in sea turtle conservation.
- Conservation efforts for sea turtles are a global concern as many species are endangered and their conservation often involves international coordination.
- Marine biologists, environmental researchers, and coastal communities may also be impacted as increased funding can support research and conservation activities.
Reasoning
- I considered the limited budget and target population for this policy. Given the $5,000,000 USD in the first year and a broader $59,600,000 USD over 10 years, I focused on individuals directly involved in sea turtle conservation or connected to coastal communities where these efforts are concentrated.
- The target population is rather small, consisting of around 2,000 individuals in the US. This includes marine biologists, environmental researchers, and organizations dedicated to sea turtle conservation, primarily along the US coastlines.
- For each simulated person, I assessed how the grant program's funding might affect their wellbeing according to their role, involvement, and existing challenges in their conservation efforts.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (Gulf Coast, Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The funding will provide much-needed resources for our ongoing research.
- It might help in coordinating rescue efforts better and provide more educational outreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Researcher (San Diego, California)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding helps in strengthening the data collection processes.
- More community engagement initiatives can be supported through the grants.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Community Coordinator (Outer Banks, North Carolina)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Grants can increase local participation in conservation activities.
- It might be a great way to get more kids involved in education about marine life.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant could support my project, potentially expanding the scope of my research.
- Increased funding can open up collaboration opportunities with other researchers.
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 |
Retired Fisherman (Texas Gulf Coast)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding towards turtle rescue is critical for maintaining balance in the marine ecosystem.
- This will help ensure better preservation of species I've encountered all my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Environmental NGO Worker (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction, aiming to bridge funding gaps.
- We'll be able to plan longer-term projects with a consistent fund flow.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Volunteer at Marine Life Center (Charleston, South Carolina)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such grants can provide scholarships and stipends to support budding conservationists like me.
- It might increase internships and provide practical experience opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tourism Operator (Key West, Florida)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Positive conservation efforts bolster the tourism sector as well.
- Guests are more engaged and willing to participate in rescue activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Wildlife Photographer (Jekyll Island, Georgia)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More active rescue projects provide strong subjects and stories for awareness campaigns.
- This funding is critical to the future of natural habitats that I document.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Policy Advocate (Miami, Florida)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, a source to pilot the policy initiatives I've been advocating for.
- This will enable more focused community and legislative efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5200000 (Low: $4200000, High: $6200000)
Year 3: $5400000 (Low: $4400000, High: $6400000)
Year 5: $5800000 (Low: $4700000, High: $6800000)
Year 10: $7000000 (Low: $5800000, High: $8200000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Key Considerations
- Administrative costs for establishing a new grant program.
- Impact on existing sea turtle conservation efforts and potential synergies.
- Potential indirect economic benefits from enhanced conservation leading to heightened tourism or research activities in coastal areas.