Carter sends $500K to Georgia for right whale monitoring and protection

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) today announced $500,000 in funding for the Georgia Conservancy to leverage existing Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to transmit information about North Atlantic right whales' seasonal management areas to vessels, protecting both mariners and the critically endangered species.

This funding, included in the House-passed Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, will help prevent vessel strikes in right whale calving grounds off Georgia's coast without harming shipping and other necessary economic activity in the area. AIS technology is already required worldwide on vessels 65 feet and over.

"Using existing technology to monitor for right whales and protect mariners is a common-sense solution to a challenging coastal problem. Preserving this species does not have to come at the expense of boater safety or robust economic activity. With this funding, we are ensuring a bright future for coastal Georgians and the marine life that calls our waters home," said Rep. Carter.

"DNR supports developing applications for innovative technologies that can be paired with data collected by us and partner agency field teams to mitigate vessel interactions with critically endangered North Atlantic right whales in their core calving grounds. Sustained funding for the collaborative AIS Messaging System Initiative on our coast is a great opportunity to refine this approach into an effective tool for mariner safety and right whale conservation," said Jessica Thompson, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Marine Mammal Program.

"Georgia Conservancy is grateful to Representative Buddy Carter and his staff for their support of this technological approach to a challenging coastal issue. Vessel strikes pose a significant threat to the critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale, whose only known calving ground is in the waters of coastal Georgia. Investing in AIS technology helps to protect this incredible species and provides safeguards to the boating community and our coastal economy," said Katherine Moore, President, Georgia Conservancy.

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