The Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act of 2026 amends federal law to require the Secretary of Commerce to identify marine mammal species and populations threatened by climate change and develop conservation plans for them. Within 24 months of enactment, the Secretary must publish a list of affected species in waters under U.S. jurisdiction, then create detailed climate impact management plans for each listed species within 18 to 30 months depending on the species' status. These plans must include strategies to conserve and recover the species, monitor climate effects, reduce fishing interactions, and increase resilience by addressing other human impacts. The bill also establishes a monitoring program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to track climate impacts on marine mammals and requires the Secretary to work with other federal agencies and foreign governments to implement the plans. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually through 2031 for NOAA, $5 million for the Interior Department, and $1 million for the Marine Mammal Commission to carry out these activities.
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