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RESCUE Whales Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1213
Firstly, the bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the monitoring and research of whale populations in US waters. This includes funding for scientific studies, data collection, and the development of conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of whale species.
Secondly, the RESCUE Whales Act of 2023 aims to reduce human activities that pose a threat to whales, such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. The bill includes provisions for the implementation of measures to mitigate these risks, such as speed restrictions for vessels in whale habitats and the use of whale-safe fishing gear. Additionally, the bill addresses the issue of marine pollution and its impact on whale populations. It includes provisions for the reduction of plastic pollution in the oceans, as well as measures to address other sources of pollution that can harm whales and their habitats. Overall, the RESCUE Whales Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to protect and conserve whale populations in US waters through research, conservation measures, and the reduction of human activities that threaten these majestic creatures.
Congressional Summary of HR 1213
Restoring Effective Science-based Conservation Under Environmental laws protecting Whales Act of 2023 or the RESCUE Whales Act of 2023
This bill repeals provisions under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 that (1) postpone a 2022 rule proposed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that revises the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, and (2) direct the NMFS to issue new regulations for fisheries. The existing plan includes requirements to reduce serious injuries to and deaths of endangered North Atlantic right whales, fin whales, and humpback whales caused by commercial fishing gear. The plan applies to commercial fisheries from Maine through Florida.
In 2021, the NMFS revised the plan and its requirements for fishing gear used by northeastern commercial lobster fisheries or Jonah crab trap/pot fisheries. In 2022, the NMFS provided notice that it intended to begin the rulemaking process to (1) further modify the plan to satisfy the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA), and (2) implement more stringent requirements to reduce deaths and injuries caused by whales becoming entangled in fishing gear from commercial trap/pot and gillnet (a type of fishing net) fisheries along the east coast.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 deems the 2021 revisions to the plan as sufficient to meet the requirements of the MMPA and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It also directs the NMFS to issue new regulations for such fisheries that take effect by December 31, 2028, and utilize existing and innovative gear technologies.
The bill, by repealing those provisions, allows the NMFS to proceed with the 2022 proposed rule and eliminates the requirement for the NMFS to issue regulations by 2028.
