NOAA whale tracking maps would go public under $18M bill

What does this do?

HR 7332 directs NOAA to build a detailed, current system tracking where whales travel, feed, breed, and give birth in U.S. waters. NOAA would produce maps of whale locations and migration routes, survey poorly understood species, and deploy underwater sound monitors, drones, and satellites to improve detection. Those maps would be published online and could be integrated into vessel navigation systems.

Who does it affect?

Commercial shippers, recreational boaters, fishermen, and coastal tourism operators would gain access to better whale location data. Researchers, universities, tribes, and local governments based in the United States could apply for grants.

Why does it matter?

Better whale location data would give mariners more information about where whales are present, which may affect how vessels and fishing operations are planned. Shipping, fishing, and tourism industries would be operating alongside improved monitoring infrastructure in shared ocean waters.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• ~$18M authorized over five years
• Grants via National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• U.S.-based recipients only