Bipartisan legislation cosponsored on Feb. 3 by U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) would authorize the use of the best available technology to improve both whale tracking and maritime safety.
“With a thriving global maritime industry, it’s critical that vessels can travel alongside whale populations without risking dangerous collisions,” Rep. Buchanan said. “As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I will always fight for solutions that safeguard animals without disrupting mariners and the public who rely on and enjoy our oceans.”
The congressman joined 20 other original cosponsors to introduce the Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act, H.R. 7332, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA).
Specifically, H.R. 7332 would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve maps of current whale habitat and develop predictive maps that would forecast future shifts in whale populations in response to changing environmental conditions.
“The Whale CHARTS Act strengthens NOAA’s ability to map baleen and sperm whale habitats using better data and modern technology, protecting marine wildlife while keeping recreational and commercial boaters safe,” added Rep. Buchanan.
If enacted, the bill also would advance near-real time whale detection technologies to help prevent deadly collisions between vessels and baleen and sperm whales by improving the understanding of feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The Whale CHARTS Act will protect whales and boaters alike by deploying cutting-edge technologies to better track and monitor migratory whales,” Rep. Carter said. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to prevent vessel strikes and better understand America’s marine wildlife.”
Among the other cosponsors who joined Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Carter in signing on to H.R. 7332 were U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
Among several other provisions, H.R. 7332 would encourage NOAA to use modern data sources, including passive acoustic monitoring and satellite-based detection, to improve map accuracy, and to make the maps readily available in formats that commercial and recreational mariners could use onboard to help reduce collisions.
The bill also would establish a grant program to fund tools that would improve the detection of migratory whales, and require NOAA to publicly report on its mapping and surveying efforts, the summary says.