Georgia receives $500,000 in federal funding to protect endangered right whales from boat strikes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTOC) - U.S. Representative Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) announced $500,000 in federal funding to protect and monitor North Atlantic right whale populations.

The funding aims to prevent boat strikes in right whale calving grounds off Georgia’s coast without impacting shipping and trade activity.

The money will allow the Georgia Conservancy to use existing Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to transmit information about the whales’ seasonal management areas to boaters, protecting the critically endangered species. AIS technology is required on all vessels 65 feet and larger.

“Georgia Conservancy is grateful to Representative Buddy Carter and his staff for their support of this technological approach to a challenging coastal issue,” said Katherine Moore, president of the Georgia Conservancy. “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.”

The funding comes from the House-passed Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.

“Using existing technology to monitor for right whales and protect mariners is a common-sense solution to a challenging coastal problem,” Carter said. “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.”