H.R. 7332In committeeEnvironment & energy
NOAA whale tracking maps would go public under $18M bill
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 7332 gives NOAA $18M over five years to map whale habitats and fund projects cutting whale-vessel and whale-gear collisions.55-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
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
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Whale CHARTS Act of 2026
- Introduced:
- February 3, 2026
- Latest action:
- February 4, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.