Governor Hochul Signs New York Whale Awareness Act to Protect Marine Mammals and Enhance Boater Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the New York Whale Awareness Act (A.8515A/S.2292B), which directs the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to establish comprehensive educational guidelines and recommendations designed to reduce marine mammal interactions and prevent vessel strikes in New York waters.

"New York's ocean waters are cleaner and more vibrant than they have been in decades, drawing extraordinary marine life back to our shores," Governor Hochul said. "However, a higher concentration of whales navigating one of the busiest regions in the country creates serious risks for both boaters and marine mammal populations. The New York Whale Awareness Act ensures that everyone enjoying our state's waterways has the tools and knowledge needed to navigate safely, avoid dangerous collisions and protect these special creatures."

The legislation integrates whale-safe boating education directly into existing state boater safety courses and vessel registration processes. By equipping boaters with standard best practices and collision-prevention techniques, the initiative aims to encourage safer navigation habits and prevent accidental injuries and deaths among local marine life, including humpback whales and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

There has been an increase in whale sightings off New York's coastline, highlighting the timely need for boater education. Governor Hochul's efforts to invest and restore New York's local waters and improve fishery management have led to thriving fish populations, bringing back more whales to the state's waterways. With more whales, it is essential that boaters are properly educated to protect our marine wildlife.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "We have seen the resurgence of marine life in our waters due to conservation and water quality measures, and whales are an essential part of that ecosystem. DEC is grateful to Governor Hochul for signing the New York Whale Awareness Act into law to strengthen outreach and public education about vessel strikes and establish practical guidelines that help boaters safely share our waters with whales. By combining conservation and public awareness, we are taking meaningful steps to protect these amazing animals while ensuring New York's coastal waters remain safe and sustainable for wildlife and the New Yorkers who enjoy them."

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, "Governor Hochul's commitment to protecting and preserving New York's waterways has helped create healthier marine ecosystems and contributed to the return of migratory whales and other marine mammals to our coastlines. As sightings of these remarkable animals become more common, it is critical that boaters understand how to safely navigate around them properly. By incorporating whale-safe guidance into New York's boating safety courses, we are helping recreational mariners protect wildlife, safeguard themselves and their passengers, and enjoy our waters responsibly."

State Senator Pete Harckham said, "We have seen a significant increase in whale deaths caused by vessel strikes in New York's coastal waters, and we have a responsibility to protect these remarkable mammals that are vital to the health of our marine ecosystem. The Whale Awareness Act will help prevent these avoidable accidents by ensuring boaters have the information they need to navigate responsibly and safely around marine life. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation into law and Assemblymember Kassay for her partnership in advancing this measure through the Legislature."

Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, "The return of whales and other marine mammals to New York's coastline is a testament to the progress we've made restoring and protecting our marine environment over the last half-century. As these incredible animals become a more common sight, New York State is committed to connecting boaters with the knowledge they need to safely coexist in our waterways. The Whale Awareness Act takes a practical, education-first approach by incorporating whale safety guidance into existing boating safety courses and vessel registration materials. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation and reaffirming New York's commitment to protecting our marine wildlife, keeping our waterways safe for boaters and animals alike."

Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is again leading the way in restoring and protecting our natural environment. Our Atlantic coastline is a precious resource which deserves increased attention, and thanks to decades of work by policymakers and local partners, our ocean waters have never been cleaner, and our fish stocks are improving year over year, leading to increased whale sightings. As a cosponsor of the Whale Awareness Act, I am proud to support this initiative which will create safer interactions with marine life and protect everyone on the water."

Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker said, "Our region is deeply connected to our ocean waters and the marine life that lives there. Our culture, our heritage, and our livelihoods are intertwined with the Atlantic Ocean. This legislation providing education and awareness on marine safety and interaction with marine life will benefit our communities as we learn better ways to share, protect, and live with our natural environment. Thank you to Governor Hochul and our NYS Legislators for initiating this important effort."

East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said, "There is something truly special about seeing whales breaching just off our shores. It reminds us how fortunate we are to call East Hampton home, and how important it is that we care for the waters we share. The New York Whale Awareness Act will give boaters practical information to help protect marine mammals and prevent dangerous encounters on the water. We thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation, and Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni for their work to move it forward."

Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, "Whales are some of the largest, most majestic marine mammals we have on our planet, and they are right off our New York coasts. New York's ocean conservation efforts have helped to increase whale populations in our waters, and the whales are staying here for longer durations of time. Sadly, the most frequent cause of whale fatalities is vessel strikes. Boater education is imperative to reduce collisions and harassment and protect whale populations. This education bill is essential to ensure boaters understand how to safely respond if they spot a whale. They should not speed towards them to get a good photo but rather stay away or shut down the engine so the propeller doesn't harm the mammal. Our enthusiasm to be close to these awe-inspiring species can, in fact, harm them and harm us! Governor Hochul has been a steadfast advocate for protecting and restoring our waters, including our ocean. We applaud Governor Hochul for signing this bill, protecting whale species and boaters in New York."

The Nature Conservancy New York Oceans and Fisheries Director Carl LoBue said, "The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Hochul for enacting legislation that will help boaters navigate the ocean safely, protecting both their passengers and the incredible whales we share our waters with. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, New York's coastal waters are alive with marine life, including whales. But with this comeback comes added responsibility. We thank Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and our state agencies for improving marine safety for people and wildlife."

Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter Conservation Staff Biologist Elizabeth Ahearn said, "Education is one of the most effective conservation tools we have to promote safe, responsible boating in our coastal waters. The Whale Awareness Act will provide boaters with practical, science-based education to help avoid vessel strikes and harmful interactions with marine mammals. This legislation will enable New York to play a meaningful role in safeguarding some of the state's most magnificent marine wildlife, enhancing maritime safety, fostering stewardship, and contributing to the overall health of our oceans. By promoting public education, the Whale Awareness Act will help build a future where people and whales can safely coexist in New York's waters."

Concerned Citizens of Montauk Executive Director Kay Tyler said, "Whales are an essential part of our marine ecosystem and a powerful reminder of the richness and resilience of our coastal waters. In Montauk, where whale sightings have become a special part of our community's character, we have a shared responsibility to protect these magnificent animals. The Whale Awareness Act recognizes that conservation begins with education, and that informed boaters can play an important role in reducing harm and helping ensure these iconic species continue to thrive in New York's waters. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislators who advanced this bipartisan effort to protect our marine wildlife for generations to come."

Montauk Chamber of Commerce President Leo Daunt said, "Montauk's identity, economy, and way of life have always been tied to the ocean. As one of New York's premier fishing and whale-watching communities, we see firsthand both the incredible resurgence of marine life in our waters and the responsibility we have to protect it. The Montauk Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the New York Whale Awareness Act and its focus on giving boaters, fishermen, visitors and residents the information they need to safely share the water with marine mammals. Protecting our whales and our waters ensures that future generations can continue to experience one of the things that makes Montauk such a special place."

Montauk Historical Society Executive Director Mia Certic said, "We are so grateful to Governor Hochul for signing a bill that will make our waters safer both for mariners and for marine mammals, and we are honored to have her sign it at the Montauk Point Lighthouse."