Whale CHARTS Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federal mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation program for migratory whales and other large cetaceans to produce high-resolution distribution maps, speed detection technologies, and cut vessel interactions. It pairs NOAA-led mapping and stock-assessment integration with a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant program to fund detection, awareness, and coexistence projects.
Show full summary
- Coastal communities and small businesses: Prioritizes grant projects that reduce lethal and sub-lethal whale interactions and that can provide economic benefits to U.S.-based small businesses in fishing, tourism, and maritime sectors.
- Researchers and agencies: Requires high-precision, machine-readable distribution maps that annotate calving, feeding, and migration areas, incorporate novel data sources like passive acoustics and satellite imagery, and inform Marine Mammal Protection Act stock assessments with triennial reviews.
- Grant applicants and program rules: Establishes a competitive grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, limits direct grant distributions to non-U.S. persons, and sets an administrative cap at 5% or $80,000 of grant funds.
*Authorizes new federal spending, including annual authorizations for FY2026–2030 of $2.0 million, $1.0 million, and $5.0 million for core activities and $10.0 million for the grant program, which would increase federal outlays if appropriated.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants for whale detection projects
If enacted, NOAA would be required to set up a competitive grant program within 180 days. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation would run the application process and get an advance payment each October 1 for the program. Grants would pay for detection tools, awareness and on‑water coexistence methods, data sharing, and related projects. Projects that reduce whale collisions and that help U.S.-based small fishing, tourism, or maritime businesses would get priority. Grantees generally could not give grant money to non-U.S. persons unless the money goes directly to a U.S. partner in a partnership.
Whale mapping and monitoring program
If enacted, the Under Secretary at NOAA would run a new mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation program for migratory whales and large cetaceans. The program would make high-accuracy distribution and predictive maps showing calving, mating, feeding areas, and migration routes. It would use passive acoustics, satellites, drones, and other new data and make maps machine-readable for ship navigation and public use. NOAA would do targeted surveys that estimate abundance and state scientific certainty. The bill would require a review within 3 years and then every 3 years about updating or making new maps, and it would set up near real-time monitoring to help reduce vessel strikes.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Malliotakis
NY • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
OR • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Buchanan
FL • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Elfreth
MD • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
GA • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
OR • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rutherford
FL • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
IL • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
AS • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]
MP • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Bilirakis
FL • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
IL • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
VA • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
WA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
GU • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
NY • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
SC • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
NJ • D
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
CA • R
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Latimer
NY • D
Sponsored 2/17/2026
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 2/17/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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