Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7332

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-06-03T08:06:55Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 aims to protect migratory whales (such as baleen whales and sperm whales) and other large cetaceans (marine mammals like whales, dolphins, and porpoises) by expanding a federal program to include mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation efforts. This builds on existing laws to reduce risks like vessel collisions and habitat disturbances in U.S. waters, using improved data and technology to support conservation.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Program Structure: Amends Section 11303 of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to create a comprehensive "Mapping, Surveying, Monitoring, and Mitigation Program for Migratory Whales and Other Large Cetaceans." This includes a subprogram focused on near real-time monitoring to prevent vessel strikes on threatened or endangered cetaceans.
• Distribution Mapping: Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (head of NOAA) to produce high-accuracy maps of whale distributions, including calving, mating, feeding, and migration areas, plus predictive maps accounting for future environmental changes. Maps must use the best available science, novel data sources (e.g., satellite imagery, acoustic monitoring), and be made publicly available in formats compatible with vessel navigation systems.
• Surveys for Understudied Species: Mandates surveys to estimate abundance and distribution of understudied whale populations, identifying key habitats with levels of scientific certainty. Surveys may include data on other marine species if opportunistic.
• Grant Program for Detection Technologies: Establishes a competitive grant program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to fund research and deployment of technologies that reduce harmful interactions between ocean users (e.g., ships, fishing vessels) and whales. Eligible uses include awareness campaigns, infrastructure for information sharing, and innovations benefiting small businesses. Grants prioritize U.S.-based entities and prohibit funding non-U.S. persons except in limited partnerships.
• Pilot Project Expansion: Updates an existing pilot for real-time monitoring to cover more cetacean species and high-risk habitats, with strategic plans for broader implementation.
• Reporting and Review: Requires triennial reviews of maps and biennial reports to Congress on program activities, knowledge gaps, and grant outcomes. Maps must also inform stock assessments under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
• Funding Authorizations: Allocates $2 million annually (FY 2026–2030) for mapping, $1 million for surveys, $5 million for the monitoring subprogram, and $10 million (available until spent) for grants. The Foundation can use up to 5% or $80,000 (whichever is greater) for administration.
• Definitions and Coordination: Defines key terms (e.g., "migratory whale" as baleen whales or sperm whales; "eligible entity" includes governments, nonprofits, researchers, and ocean industries). Emphasizes coordination with the Marine Mammal Commission, Coast Guard, and non-federal stakeholders like states, tribes, and industry groups.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadens Scope of NDAA Program: Shifts from a narrow "near real-time monitoring" focus on threatened/endangered cetaceans to a wider program covering all migratory whales and large cetaceans, adding mapping, surveying, and predictive elements.
• New Components: Introduces dedicated mapping/survey subsections, a grant program, and explicit integration with MMPA stock assessments—none of which existed in the original Section 11303.
• Enhances Accessibility and Integration: Requires maps to be integrated into navigation systems and carriage requirements for vessels, expanding beyond internal agency use.
• MMPA Amendment: Adds a requirement in Section 117 of the MMPA for stock assessments (evaluations of marine mammal populations) to incorporate the new distribution maps, ensuring conservation decisions use this data.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: NOAA gains expanded responsibilities for data collection, technology development, and coordination, with dedicated funding to support these. The Coast Guard may update vessel regulations for map carriage, increasing administrative workload but improving safety. The Marine Mammal Commission advises on priorities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
• Citizens and Industries: Vessel operators (commercial shipping, fishing, tourism, recreation) benefit from tools to avoid collisions, potentially reducing legal liabilities and operational disruptions. Small U.S. businesses in maritime sectors could access grants for innovations, boosting economic opportunities. The public gains access to maps via online platforms, raising awareness of whale habitats.
• International Relations: Focuses on U.S. jurisdictional waters but indirectly supports global whale conservation, as migratory species cross borders. No direct international mandates, but shared data could aid cooperative efforts under treaties like the MMPA's international provisions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: NOAA (lead implementer), U.S. Coast Guard (navigation integration), Marine Mammal Commission (advisory role), and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (grant administration).
• State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Eligible for grants and consultations on priorities, especially in coastal areas.
• Non-Governmental and Research Entities: Nonprofits, research institutions, and ocean user groups (e.g., fishing, shipping, tourism industries) can apply for grants and provide input on surveys/maps.
• Ocean Users and Businesses: Commercial/recreational vessel operators, small businesses in fishing/tourism/maritime sectors, who face risks from whale interactions but gain mitigation tools.
• Environmental and Conservation Groups: Benefit from enhanced protections and data for advocacy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens implementation of the MMPA by mandating data use in assessments, potentially leading to stricter vessel speed rules or protected zones without delaying existing regulations. The "construction with other laws" clause ensures the program does not hinder ongoing rulemakings, preserving agency flexibility.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over navigable waters and environmental protection. Grant restrictions on non-U.S. persons uphold national security and funding priorities without broader trade implications.
• Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by diverse representatives) signals consensus on marine conservation amid climate change and shipping growth. Could influence future environmental budgets and industry regulations, emphasizing science-based, cost-effective approaches over punitive measures.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]

Cosponsors (25)

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
• 2026-02-03: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-03: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-03: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (21 pages)