Save Willy Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a dedicated federal pilot program to improve marine mammal protection in the San Francisco Bay region through enhanced real-time monitoring, data sharing, and coordination with the maritime industry.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a four-year pilot program to create a 'Cetacean Desk' within the San Francisco Vessel Traffic Service. This desk will enhance efforts to mitigate vessel impacts on large cetaceans by improving coordination with the maritime industry, monitoring cetacean presence, and engaging vessel operators. It also mandates the evaluation of emerging technologies and the implementation of local variances to facilitate communication and voluntary coordination.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is a crucial step to protect endangered large cetaceans, such as whales, from vessel strikes and disturbances in a critical habitat. They contend that a dedicated Cetacean Desk will improve real-time information sharing, enhance compliance with existing regulations, and foster better collaboration between federal agencies, local stakeholders, and the maritime industry, ultimately leading to a reduction in whale fatalities and injuries.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill creates an unnecessary bureaucratic layer and duplicates existing efforts by NOAA and the Coast Guard. They may contend that the proposed pilot program, with its limited staffing, may not significantly improve outcomes and could impose additional burdens or complexities on vessel operators without clear benefits, potentially impacting maritime efficiency in a busy port region.
The bill is concise and easily readable, allowing for a quick understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Cetacean Desk Pilot Program
This section mandates the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates, with NOAA's Under Secretary, to establish a 4-year pilot program within one year. This program will create a 'Cetacean Desk' in the San Francisco Vessel Traffic Service, staffed by up to two full-time equivalents, to improve coordination with the maritime industry and monitor large cetaceans to reduce vessel impacts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated, centralized desk within the VTS is essential for real-time information dissemination and proactive mitigation, directly addressing the increasing threat of vessel strikes to vulnerable whale populations in a high-traffic area.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that existing agencies already have mandates for marine mammal protection and that creating a new 'desk' with limited staffing might not be the most efficient use of resources or significantly improve outcomes beyond current efforts.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for enhanced marine mammal protection with potential administrative overhead and the operational demands on a busy Vessel Traffic Service.
Section 2(b), (c), (d)
Enhanced Communication and Data Leverage
The bill requires Cetacean Desk personnel to actively engage with vessel operators, communicating real-time cetacean sightings to ensure compliance with protective measures. It also authorizes a Memorandum of Understanding for real-time data sharing between federal, state, and other entities, leveraging existing and public data collection methods for accurate information.
Section 2(e), (g)
Technology Adoption and Local Policy Implementation
This section directs the Secretary to evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, for improved detection, tracking, and communication regarding large cetaceans. It also mandates the implementation of local variances in the San Francisco Bay to facilitate communication and voluntary coordination between vessels and the VTS, ensuring safe navigation, and allows for cooperative agreements for training on marine mammal protection.