MA H919

NHESP must conduct annual reviews beginning January 2026 for five years to assess impacts of marine fisheries licensing and vessel activities on species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

Annual reports required in coordination with NOAA, New England Aquarium, and Center for Coastal Studies documenting endangered whale sightings and human-caused injuries in Gulf of Maine coastal waters

NHESP must evaluate designating Cape Cod Bay and other Massachusetts coastal waters as MESA "significant habitats" for Northern Right Whales annually for five years

Creates new "Sustainable Fishing" licenses starting fiscal year 2027 for crab and lobster harvesting using wildlife-safe gear, with 25 licenses issued the first year and 25 additional licenses annually for four years, with no catch limits for compliant licensees

Establishes the economic value of an individual Northern Right Whale at $2,000,000 for court and agency financial assessments, with any killing or serious injury counted as equivalent economic loss to the Commonwealth