Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act of 2026

The Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act of 2026 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish climate impact management plans for marine mammal species and population stocks likely to be adversely affected by climate change. The bill mandates the creation of a list of at-risk species within 24 months of enactment, development of science-based management plans with public comment, monitoring programs through NOAA, and regular reporting to Congress on implementation progress and effectiveness. It affects federal agencies, particularly the Department of Commerce and NOAA, and authorizes appropriations totaling $16 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to support these efforts, including funding for the Marine Mammal Commission. The bill also requires integration with existing conservation plans and considers climate impacts in stock assessments and international agreements.