NY S07718

Requires commercial vessels 500 feet or longer to maintain and submit a whale interaction prevention policy to the Department of Environmental Conservation or Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at least 48 hours before entering New York's marine and coastal district, beginning July 1, 2027

Mandates policies include speed reduction measures, crew training, consideration of latest whale detection technology, vessel-specific factors (maneuverability, draft, size), and federal/international best practices

Directs the department to establish policy standards in consultation with the Port Authority, Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and the Marine Mammal Commission

Provides a 60-day period to submit a revised policy if the department determines a submitted policy does not meet standards; authorizes the department to board and inspect vessels for compliance

Establishes penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 for initial violations and $1,000 to $15,000 per day for continuing violations