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HR 7332

Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Gus Bilirakis and 23 co-sponsors

The act funds and guides a nationwide program to map, monitor, and mitigate migratory whales and large cetaceans, using detection tech and data-driven mitigation.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
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Bill Summary · HR 7332

Overview

  • Bill: HR 7332 (Whale CHARTS Act of 2026)
  • Purpose: Amend the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to establish a mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation program for migratory whales and other large cetaceans.
  • Introduced: February 3, 2026
  • Primarily related committees: Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a comprehensive program to improve data on migratory whales and other large cetaceans and to reduce risks they face from human activities, especially vessel strikes and disturbances.
  • Replace or repurpose the earlier near real-time monitoring mandate with a broader “Mapping, Surveying, Monitoring, and Mitigation” framework.
  • Emphasize data collection, predictive mapping, technology development, and proactive mitigation in coordination with federal and non-federal partners.

Key provisions and changes

  • Revisions to Section 11303 of the FY 2023 NDAA:
    • Rename and refocus the program from near real-time monitoring to a broader mapping, surveying, monitoring, and mitigation initiative for migratory whales and large cetaceans.
    • Expand the scope from “threatened or endangered” species to “migratory whales and other large cetaceans.”
    • Add explicit emphasis on detection technologies and data collection, including:
    • Mapping and surveying of migratory whales
    • Monitoring of large cetaceans
    • Development of detection technologies
    • Require data products and accessibility:
    • Production of high-accuracy distribution maps (current and predictive)
    • Maps to include calving, mating, feeding grounds, migration routes, and other habitat uses
    • Maps to be accessible in machine-readable formats and compatible with vessel navigation systems (e.g., NOAA products), online public platforms, and Coast Guard carriage requirements
    • Establish a Near Real-Time Subprogram within the broader framework to reduce vessel collision risk and other impacts.
    • Create a Pilot Project for near real-time monitoring and mitigation, expandable to additional species and critical habitats.
    • Add a distribution mapping section (under subsection (c)) detailing responsibilities, data sources, and coordination with the Marine Mammal Commission and other federal entities.
  • Grant program for detection technologies:
    • Establish a competitive grant program managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (in coordination with the Under Secretary).
    • Funding: Authorized approximately $10 million for the grant program (to remain available until expended) plus separate funding for mapping, understudied stocks, and pilot activities.
    • Eligible uses: Develop and deploy detection tech, awareness and management measures, on-water coexistence approaches, and infrastructure to disseminate information to reduce harmful interactions.
    • Priority considerations: projects that reduce lethal/sub-lethal interactions, foster ocean-user cooperation, and support economically beneficial US-based activities.
    • Prohibitions: Grants must primarily benefit US persons; limited allowable transfers to partnerships with non-US entities under specified conditions.
  • Reporting and review:
    • Requires a biennial/triannual status report to Congress on activities, knowledge gaps, progress, and grant outcomes.
  • Administrative and cross-cutting provisions:
    • Allows coordination across NOAA line offices and with non-Federal stakeholders (states, tribes, researchers, industry groups, NGOs).
    • Provides definitions for key terms (e.g., migratory whale, United States person, waters under US jurisdiction).

Who/what is affected

  • Federal agencies: Under Secretary (likely under the Department of Defense/NDAA framework), NOAA, Coast Guard, and Marine Mammal Commission.
  • Eligible entities: State, regional, local, or Tribal governments; non-profit groups; research institutions; ocean-user industries (fishing, tourism, shipping, boating, etc.); consortia.
  • Migratory whales and large cetaceans in U.S. waters; vessels and other ocean users (through data integration and mitigation measures).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial enactment triggers:
    • Grant program must be established within 180 days for detection technologies.
    • Program maps and subprograms to be developed and deployed in alignment with data needs and interagency coordination.
  • Funding horizon:
    • Specific annual authorization: roughly $2M for mapping/understudied stocks, $1M for the understudied stock surveys, and $5M for the subprogram; $10M for the grant program (all through 2030).
    • Administrative costs for the Foundation capped at 5% or $80,000 per year, whichever is greater.
  • Reviews and reporting:
    • Comprehensive program review due at least every 3 years, with an initial report within 2 years of enactment.
  • Legal construction:
    • Section clarifies that this act operates alongside, but does not delay, other laws and regulatory processes.

Note: This summary expresses the bill’s substantive provisions and potential impacts based on the text provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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