Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act of 2026

A new bill in Congress would strengthen protections for marine mammals as climate change alters their habitats and food sources. The measure, called the Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act, would update the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act to require federal agencies to consider how rising ocean temperatures, sea‑level rise, and other climate impacts affect species such as whales, sea otters, polar bears, and manatees. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, which oversees fisheries, wildlife, and marine affairs.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act, first passed in 1972, already bans the harassment or harm of marine mammals without proper permits and requires conservation plans to maintain healthy ecosystems. The new legislation would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop climate impact management plans for marine mammals at significant risk from climate change, including strategies to reduce harm and adapt to shifting ocean conditions. Supporters say the update is needed because warming waters, more frequent harmful algal blooms, and changing prey distributions are already stressing marine mammal populations.

For Milwaukee residents, the bill matters because climate‑driven changes in the Great Lakes and coastal ecosystems can ripple through fisheries, tourism, and local economies. Warmer waters and shifting species patterns can affect recreational fishing, boating safety, and the health of aquatic food webs that connect to Lake Michigan. Stronger federal protections for marine mammals could also encourage more coordinated regional planning around water quality, habitat restoration, and climate resilience.

What happens next depends on the House Committee on Natural Resources, which will decide whether to hold hearings, amend the bill, or send it to the full House for a vote. Environmental groups and scientists are urging lawmakers to move the measure forward as part of broader efforts to address climate change’s impact on wildlife and ocean health.