Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed into a law a ban on intentionally releasing balloons in the county.

Supporters of the law say it’s a no-brainer to protect marine life and the environment.

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"When these balloons are released, they don't go to heaven, but they sure send marine mammals there prematurely,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “The bottom line is these balloons, when they come down into our oceans, they kill whales, dolphins, seals, turtles and they also kill birds."

The law applies to latex and Mylar balloons.

Violators could face fines of up to $1,000.