Policy Strategies

Coastal Conservation

• California Marine Life Protection Act (2013) – Directs the state to redesign its system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to function as a network.
• California S.B.1036 (2022) – Establishes the California Oceans Corps to organize and provide opportunities for young people to train and contribute to ocean conservation in the County of Orange. 
• Georgia H.R.822 (2022) – Resolution stating opposition to the shark fin trade. 
• Hawaii H.B.1019 (2021) – Establishes a fund to help implement Hawaii’s 30×30 marine management goals.
• Hawaii H.B.1653 (2022) – Establishes an administrative and criminal fine system for aquatic life taken, killed, or injured. 
• New York A.6326 (2021) – Establishes the Marine Life Protection Task Force within the department of environmental conservation.
• New York A.4340 (2021) – Implements a comprehensive conservation and management plan prepared pursuant to the National Estuary Program and establishes the Peconic Region Maritime Reserve Council.
• Washington S.B.5619/H.B. 1661 (2022) – Requires establishment of a Kelp Forest and Eelgrass Meadow Health and Conservation Plan.

Coastal Adaptation

• Connecticut HJR 53 (2021): Long Island Sound Blue Plan: Implements a science-based planning tool that integrates all environmental, recreational and commercial uses of the Sound (active).
• Hawaii S.B.474 (2021): Requires that mandatory seller disclosures in real estate transactions include identification of residential real properties lying within the sea level rise exposure area. 
• Massachusetts H.D.4379 (2021): Establishes a “Blue Communities Program” that (1) incentivizes local action on nutrient pollution and ocean acidification; (2) sets guidelines for communities to qualify as a “Blue Community;” and (3) establishes a fund for the Program.
• Maine L.D. 1572 (H.P. 1169)(2021): Requires agencies to review laws and rules and submit recommendations to incorporate sea level rise into administration of those.
• New York S.6532A (2021): Permits kelp cultivation in underwater lands at Gardiner’s and Peconic bays.
• Rhode Island S.B.35 (2021): Establishes the Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) fund as a long-term source of grant funding to allow coastal cities and towns to implement climate resilience projects (enacted). 
• Virgina S.B.1374 (2021): Establishes an intergovernmental taskforce to study and submit a report on how to use state land and marine resources for carbon sequestration.
• Washington H.B.1099 (2021): Requires updating shoreline master programs to include the impacts of sea level rise and increased storm severity on shoreline natural resources and coastal communities.
• Other Policy Options: 
  • Establish a managed retreat policy and a state revolving fund for managed retreat in coastal areas. 
  • Establish moratorium on new development in floodplains and sea level rise areas.

Coastal Restoration

• California S.B.1065 (2022): Establishes the California Abandoned and Derelict Commercial Vessel Program.
• Hawaii S.B.2519 (2022): Requires an emergency permit for temporary shoreline hardening, limit the lifetime of such structure, and require a long-term solution to enable removal of the temporary structure.
• New Hampshire S.B146 (2021): Adopts omnibus legislation that includes establishing a coastal program and a fund for derelict fishing gear and coastal cleanup.
• New York A.6294 (2021): Requires the department of environmental conservation to prepare and annually update a marine and coastal debris action plan.
• Other Policy Options: 
  • Prohibit repairs of armoring and require removal of illegal structures.
  • Establish a Blue Carbon Fund to protect and restore coastal habitats.