Vern Buchanan U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Vern Buchanan U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Today, a group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act of 2024. This legislation aims to protect baleen and sperm whales by enhancing the understanding of their feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes. The bipartisan effort is led by Congressman Vern Buchanan alongside Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Congressman Jared Huffman.
The proposed bill will require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve current whale habitat maps and create predictive maps for future shifts in whale habitats due to environmental changes. It also mandates specific research on less-studied baleen whale species.
“With a thriving global maritime industry, it's critical that vessels can travel alongside whale populations without risking dangerous collisions,” said Congressman Buchanan. He emphasized the importance of updating mapping technology to safeguard both marine wildlife and boaters.
Congresswoman Matsui highlighted the limitations of existing distribution maps: “Current distribution maps of baleen and sperm whale habitat lack accuracy and are based on limited data.” She stressed that this hampers efforts to protect whales as well as recreational boaters and commercial ships from potential collisions.
Congresswoman Malliotakis added that outdated predictive maps increase collision risks between large whales and vessels. “Our legislation seeks to correct this issue by requiring NOAA to conduct more research,” she stated.
Congressman Huffman pointed out the broader context: “Climate change and habitat degradation are impacting wildlife migration patterns.” He noted that improving scientific knowledge through this act would help protect iconic species amid a biodiversity crisis.
The Whale CHARTS Act directs NOAA, in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Commission, to produce high-resolution distribution maps for baleen and sperm whales. It encourages utilizing novel data sources like passive acoustic monitoring and satellite images. These improved maps will be accessible aboard commercial and recreational vessels. Additionally, NOAA must report publicly on existing knowledge gaps regarding whale habitats.
Buchanan has been active in environmental preservation efforts in Florida, securing funding for red tide research among other initiatives.
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