The motivation for this strategic plan is to provide a national, unified approach for meeting science needs in partial support of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The specific objective is to provide a framework for discussion of ship time with respect to, chiefly, cetacean science needs. The plan presented here is meant to aid in strategic planning for these science requirements in the context of other National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) priorities and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Healthy Ocean Goal. In particular, it is hoped that a proactive and comprehensive strategic plan based on a predictable schedule and geographic area rotation will facilitate the continuation, and in some cases, the initial implementation of, research that will provide the majority of data required to meet NMFS’ cetacean-related mandates. Related items: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publications can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-noaa