H.R. 7332: Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 proposes several measures aimed at enhancing the protection and understanding of migratory whales and other large cetaceans within U.S. waters. The key objectives of the bill include:

1. Establishing Monitoring Programs

The bill amends existing legislation to create a comprehensive program for the mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation of migratory whales and other large cetaceans. This includes:

• Increasing data collection on migratory whale populations and their movements.
• Developing new detection technologies to enhance tracking and monitoring of these species.
• Providing specific guidelines and requirements for real-time monitoring and mitigation measures to reduce risks from human activities, particularly vessel collisions.

2. Creating Distribution Maps

The bill mandates the creation of detailed distribution maps of migratory whales. These maps will include:

• High-accuracy distribution data with temporal and spatial resolution.
• Predictive maps that account for environmental changes and future conditions.
• Information on calving, mating, feeding grounds, migration routes, and other habitat uses of these species.

3. Conducting Surveys for Understudied Species

In cooperation with the Marine Mammal Commission, the bill requires surveys of understudied stocks and populations to estimate their numbers and distributions. The surveys will help identify:

• Critical habitats and migration routes.
• The degree of certainty of scientific findings related to these species.

4. Grant Program for Detection Technologies

The Whale CHARTS Act establishes a grant program managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support:

• Research and development of innovative technologies to detect and mitigate harmful interactions between ocean users and migratory whales.
• Raising awareness about existing management measures for the protection of these species.
• Creating sustainable approaches that encourage coexistence between ocean users and large cetaceans.

5. Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes specific funding for the various programs established, including:

• $2 million for the mapping and monitoring program.
• $1 million for understudied species surveys.
• $5 million for the real-time monitoring subprogram.
• $10 million for the grant program, to be used until fully expended.

6. Reporting Requirements

Finally, the bill mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress of the programs and the effectiveness of the funded projects, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Relevant Companies

• MRO (Marathon Oil Corporation): May be impacted by increased regulatory scrutiny regarding marine activities affecting migratory whales.
• TSLA (Tesla, Inc.): Could be affected if future technologies for whale detection are developed in the marine transport space, impacting shipping and transportation sectors.