Alexandria, Virginia – A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act on February 3, 2026, marking a significant step toward better monitoring of whale movements, reducing vessel strikes, and enhancing public access to ocean waters.
The legislation, spearheaded by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Jared Dexter (D-OR), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), and Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), aims to address longstanding challenges in marine conservation by investing in improved data collection and innovative technologies. This bill represents a proactive approach to balancing the protection of marine mammals with the needs of ocean users, including recreational boaters and anglers.
“Recreational anglers are among our nation’s leading conservationists, with a deep and longstanding commitment to the health of marine ecosystems,” stated Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “The Whale CHARTS Act will improve our understanding of whale ranges and movements, ensuring managers have sound data to better conserve these species while also helping to minimize vessel strikes. Better data leads to better outcomes for whales, ocean users, and the marine environment we all depend on.”
The act proposes an innovative strategy focused on mitigating the risks associated with vessel-whale collisions. Key provisions include bolstering scientific research to map whale habitats more accurately and supporting the development and deployment of whale detection and awareness systems. These tools are designed to provide real-time information to mariners, enabling them to navigate safely and avoid dangerous encounters.
Of particular relevance to the sportfishing community is Subsection (e), which establishes a grant program dedicated to the development, testing, and scaling of cutting-edge whale detection technologies. This initiative is poised to accelerate practical solutions that can be implemented directly on the water, filling critical data gaps that have hindered effective management and regulatory compliance in the past.
This grant mechanism draws parallels to recent efforts by established organizations. For instance, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation allocated $3.9 million to eight targeted projects in 2025 through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Such investments demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of technology-driven approaches to conservation challenges.
The Whale CHARTS Act enjoys widespread backing beyond Capitol Hill. It has garnered endorsements from sportfishing and marine industry stakeholders, as well as ocean conservation groups. This broad coalition underscores the bill’s potential to foster collaborative solutions that benefit wildlife, fisheries, and recreational opportunities alike.
The American Sportfishing Association expressed strong appreciation for the leadership shown by the bill’s cosponsors. ASA remains committed to partnering with Congress, federal agencies, and fellow conservation advocates to advance this legislation through the legislative process. By prioritizing data-driven strategies and technological innovation, the Whale CHARTS Act could set a new standard for managing human-whale interactions in U.S. waters, ultimately supporting sustainable fisheries and vibrant marine environments.
This development comes at a crucial time for ocean policy, as recreational fishing continues to play a vital role in coastal economies and environmental stewardship. Enhanced whale monitoring not only protects endangered species but also ensures safer conditions for the millions of Americans who enjoy boating and angling each year.
For more information, visit American Sportfishing Association.