NY S08877

Creates Title 9 of Environmental Conservation Law establishing a framework for preventing and mitigating marine and coastal debris in New York State waters.

Defines "marine and coastal debris" as persistent solid material disposed of or abandoned in marine waters, including ghost gear (lost or abandoned fishing equipment) and debris from land sources.

Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to prepare and annually update a marine and coastal debris action plan in consultation with stakeholders, including assessment of debris extent, prioritized mitigation measures, and identification of best practices.

Directs the department to provide information on reporting ghost gear locations in commercial fishing licenses and publications, and to provide grants to not-for-profit organizations for pilot projects in ghost gear removal, monofilament line recycling, and beach cleanup.

Initial marine debris action plan must be issued no later than 15 months after the act becomes law.