Whale CHARTS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to reduce lethal and sub-lethal interactions between ocean users and large cetaceans by improving data collection, mapping, monitoring, and developing new detection technologies, backed by significant federal funding.
What it actually does
The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 amends the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to significantly expand federal efforts to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans. It establishes new programs for high-accuracy distribution mapping, surveys of understudied species, and a competitive grant program for innovative detection technologies. It also renames and modifies an existing near real-time monitoring and mitigation program, broadening its scope from only threatened or endangered cetaceans to all migratory whales and large cetaceans.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that current measures are insufficient to protect migratory whales from vessel collisions and other human impacts, leading to declining populations. This bill provides a comprehensive, science-based approach to gather crucial data, develop cutting-edge technologies, and implement effective mitigation strategies, ensuring the long-term health of these vital marine species while fostering coexistence with ocean industries.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while whale protection is important, the bill's broad scope and significant funding commitments could lead to overreach, impose undue burdens on maritime industries, or divert resources from other pressing conservation needs. Some might also question the effectiveness of new technologies or the administrative overhead of multiple new programs.
The bill is moderately complex due to its technical amendments and multiple new programs, requiring careful reading to understand its full scope and implications.
Section 2(a)(1), (2), (3) of the bill, amending Section 11303 of the James M. Inhofe NDAA for FY23
Expansion and Renaming of Cetacean Protection Program
This provision renames the existing "Near Real-Time Monitoring and Mitigation Program for Large Cetaceans" to the "Mapping, Surveying, Monitoring, and Mitigation Program for Migratory Whales and Other Large Cetaceans." It broadens the program's focus from only "threatened or endangered" large cetaceans to all "migratory whales and other large cetaceans," and expands its activities to include mapping, surveying, and the development of detection technologies, in addition to monitoring.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that expanding the program's scope to include all migratory whales and large cetaceans, not just those already threatened or endangered, allows for proactive conservation efforts. Broadening activities to include mapping and surveying provides a more holistic and preventative approach to understanding and mitigating risks.
Critics contend
Some might argue that broadening the scope to all migratory whales could dilute focus and resources from the most critically endangered species, or create unnecessary regulatory burdens for species not currently facing severe threats.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between focusing limited resources on critically endangered species versus adopting a broader, preventative approach for all large cetaceans.
Section 2(a)(10) of the bill, inserting new subsection (c) into 16 U.S.C. 1391
Establishment of Distribution Mapping Program for Migratory Whales
This provision mandates the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (through NOAA) to create highly accurate distribution maps for migratory whale stocks, populations, or species in U.S. waters. These maps must include calving, mating, feeding grounds, migration routes, and other habitat uses, and also produce predictive maps considering future environmental conditions. The maps are to be made available in electronic formats for vessel navigation systems and the public.
Section 2(a)(10) of the bill, inserting new subsection (d) into 16 U.S.C. 1391
Establishment of Understudied Species Surveys
This provision directs the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission, to conduct specific surveys for understudied migratory whale stocks, populations, or species within U.S. waters. The goal is to estimate their abundance and distribution, identifying potential critical habitats like calving and feeding grounds, and indicating the scientific certainty of these identifications.
Section 2(a)(10) of the bill, inserting new subsection (e) into 16 U.S.C. 1391
Establishment of Grant Program for Detection Technologies
This provision establishes a competitive grant program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to fund the development, assessment, and implementation of innovative detection technologies. These technologies aim to reduce lethal and sub-lethal interactions between ocean users and migratory whales. Eligible uses include research, enhancing awareness of existing measures, developing coexistence approaches, and expanding infrastructure for information dissemination. Priority is given to projects with high likelihood of impact, cooperation among ocean users, and economic benefits to U.S. small businesses.
Section 2(a)(11) of the bill, amending subsection (k) of 16 U.S.C. 1391
Funding Authorizations
This provision authorizes specific appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It allocates $2,000,000 annually for the distribution mapping program (new subsection c), $1,000,000 annually for the understudied species surveys (new subsection d), and $5,000,000 annually for the near real-time monitoring and mitigation subprogram (existing, now subsection f). Additionally, $10,000,000 is authorized for the grant program for detection technologies (new subsection e) to remain available until expended.
The bill significantly reorganizes the existing Section 11303 of the James M. Inhofe NDAA for FY23 by re-designating multiple subsections and paragraphs. For example, the original subsection (c) becomes (f), and the original (d) becomes (f)(4), with further internal re-numbering.
Section 2(a)(6) and (8) of the bill, specifically the re-designation of subsections (c) and (d) to (f) and (f)(4) respectively, and the subsequent internal re-numbering and margin adjustments.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice when adding new sections in the middle of an existing statutory framework to maintain logical flow and numbering. It's not necessarily evasive but requires detailed attention.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this reorganization is necessary to integrate the new mapping, surveying, and grant programs logically within the existing framework, creating a more coherent and comprehensive statute.
Case against: Critics might argue that such complex re-designations make the law less accessible and harder for the public and even experts to follow without detailed legislative tracking.
Estimated impact: Technical but significant for legal interpretation and administrative implementation of the overall program structure.
This provision adds a new subsection (f) to Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, requiring the Secretary to "consider each applicable distribution map produced under section 11303(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" when preparing, publishing, or reviewing marine mammal stock assessments.
Section 2(b) of the bill, amending Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1386).
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for consequential amendments to related but distinct laws. It's not evasive but requires careful reading of the entire bill.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this ensures the new, high-accuracy distribution maps created under the Whale CHARTS Act are directly integrated into the critical process of marine mammal stock assessments, thereby improving the scientific basis for conservation management under the MMPA.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against ensuring that relevant scientific data is used in stock assessments, though some might argue about the practical implications of integrating potentially rapidly updating map data into a periodic assessment process.
Estimated impact: Enhances the scientific rigor and data-driven nature of marine mammal conservation efforts under a foundational environmental law.