A group of U.S. lawmakers has reintroduced legislation designed to improve the federal government’s ability to map whale habitats and help reduce vessel strikes.
The Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act directs NOAA to improve its mapping of whale habitats while also developing predictive maps that estimate how whale populations might change their habits in response to environmental conditions. The legislation would require the agency to create high-resolution maps showing where whales are now and where they may be in the future. Critically, the maps must be usable for commercial and recreational mariners to help them avoid collisions.
“With a thriving global maritime industry, it’s critical that vessels can travel alongside whale populations without risking dangerous collisions,” U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Florida) said in a release. “The Whale CHARTS Act strengthens NOAA’s ability to map baleen and sperm whale habitats using better data and modern technology, protecting marine wildlife while keeping recreational and commercial boaters safe. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I will always fight for solutions that safeguard animals without disrupting mariners and the public who rely on and enjoy our oceans.”
In addition to Buchanan, the legislation is backed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-California), U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York), U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland), U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Oregon), and U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Georgia).
“For too long, whale protection has been treated like a zero-sum fight. This bill is about choosing a better way,” Matsui said in a release. “With clearer whale maps and near real time detection tools, we can help captains avoid whales before a collision happens, protect endangered species, and keep fishermen on the water doing the work they love. That kind of progress only happens when people who care deeply about the ocean, from maritime workers to conservation advocates, come together to advance practical solutions.”
The Whale CHARTS Act would also establish a grant program to support developing near real time whale monitoring and detection technologies, providing vessel captains with data that could help them avoid striking whales in the future. The lawmakers say this initiative will provide a better understanding of feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes.
“Current predictive maps don’t give us a good picture of where whales are feeding and calving. That puts both these magnificent animals and boaters at risk of dangerous collisions,” Malliotakis said in a release. “This legislation directs NOAA to conduct more research and mapping so we can protect our whales and keep our mariners and everyone who loves our waters safe.”
The legislation is being backed by conservation groups and sportsfishing groups, both of which said the bill could help reduce vessel strikes on whales.
"The Whale CHARTS Act would fund important mapping improvements and detection technologies in whale habitats,” Daniel Moss, senior government relations representative for Defenders of Wildlife, said in a release. “Vessel strikes are one of the primary killers of whales, including critically endangered species. They are also dangerous for mariners, particularly in smaller boats. While speed restrictions are the only proven mechanism to reduce vessel strike risk, this bill will advance research that may ultimately make our waters safer for whales and mariners.”
A version of the Whale CHARTS Act was introduced in December 2024 but was not considered by lawmakers before the end of the U.S. Congressional session.
