You can also read the full letter here.
January 12, 2026
The Honorable Doris Matsui
U.S. House of Representatives
2206 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Nicole Malliotakis
U.S. House of Representatives
1124 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Maxine Dexter
U.S. House of Representatives
1207 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Vern Buchanan
U.S. House of Representatives
2409 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Sarah Elfreth
U.S. House of Representatives
1213 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Buddy Carter
U.S. House of Representatives
2432 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representatives Matsui, Malliotakis, Dexter, Buchanan, Elfreth and Carter,
On behalf of the undersigned recreational fishing, boating and conservation organizations, we write to thank you for introducing the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act. Our community holds a strong commitment to marine conservation and to ensuring safe, responsible experiences on the water. We recognize that healthy marine ecosystems and sustainable ocean access depend on practical, science-based solutions developed in partnership with ocean users.
The Whale CHARTS Act takes an innovative and constructive approach to mitigating risk of vessel strikes by investing in improved data and by supporting the development and deployment of whale detection and awareness technologies. By strengthening the scientific foundation for decision-making and supporting tools that can be applied on the water, the legislation advances meaningful conservation outcomes while helping ensure the public can safely recreate on the water.
We are particularly supportive of Subsection (e), which would establish a grant program to support the development, testing and scaling of innovative whale detection technologies. This approach will help accelerate practical, on-the-water solutions and address critical data gaps and inaccuracies that have complicated effective management and compliance. We believe this approach offers a smarter and more effective alternative to the 2022 proposed expansion of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, while protecting recreational access and supporting healthy marine ecosystems.
Thank you again for your leadership in advancing science-based, practical solutions that enhance safety on the water and demonstrate our shared commitment to marine conservation. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to support the Whale CHARTS Act and ensure its successful enactment.
Sincerely,
American Sportfishing Association
Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
BoatU.S.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Center for Sportfishing Policy
Coastal Conservation Association
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Guy Harvey Foundation
International Game Fish Association
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
National Marine Manufacturers Association
South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
