MATSUI AND COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE THE WHALE CHARTS ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), and Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) introduced the Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act of 2024, legislation that will help protect baleen and sperm whales by improving our understanding of whale feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes. The bill will improve maps of current whale habitat, create predictive maps that forecast future shifts in whale habitats in response to changing environmental conditions, and conduct specific research on understudied baleen whale species. 

“Current distribution maps of baleen and sperm whale habitat lack accuracy and are based on limited data,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This limits the usefulness of these maps for protecting whales and for protecting recreational boaters and commercial ships from collisions with whales, which can present a considerable danger to both the passengers and the vessel. The Whale CHARTS Act will protect whales and the general public by directing the federal government to improve mapping of whale habitat and make the improved maps available to mariners and the public.” 

“Current predictive maps for baleen and sperm whale feeding and calving are outdated and based on limited data, leading to an increased potential for collisions between these large animals and recreational vessels,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “Our legislation seeks to correct this issue by requiring NOAA to conduct more research to improve mapping of whale habitats, safeguarding whales, mariners, and the general public who enjoy our seas alike.” 

“Climate change and habitat degradation are impacting wildlife migration patterns, leading to increased risk for marine mammals. While the world grapples with a severe biodiversity crisis, it’s more important than ever our conservation efforts utilize the best available science,” said Congressman Huffman. “Our Whale CHARTS Act will allow us to expand our knowledge of baleen and sperm whale habitat, giving us the tools to protect these iconic species and the American public alike.”

“With a thriving global maritime industry, it's critical that vessels can travel alongside whale populations without risking dangerous collisions,” said Congressman Buchanan. “That's why I'm proud to help introduce the Whale CHARTS Act, which requires NOAA to update and improve mapping of baleen and sperm whale habitats—protecting both marine wildlife and recreational and commercial boaters.”

The Whale CHARTS Act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission, to produce high-resolution, accurate distribution maps of baleen and sperm whale populations, and to produce predictive maps of future habitat distribution. In doing so, the bill encourages NOAA to draw upon novel sources of data, such as passive acoustic monitoring and detection of whales through satellite images. These new improved maps will be made available in information carried aboard commercial and recreational vessels. The bill also directs NOAA to conduct surveys of understudied baleen whale populations. Lastly, NOAA is required to report publicly on existing knowledge gaps with regard to whale habitat distribution and the agency’s progress toward addressing these knowledge gaps.

Congresswoman Matsui is co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), and also co-chairs the SEEC Nature and Oceans Task Force. She previously led efforts to improve whale habitat mapping through the congressional appropriations process for NOAA.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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