NOAA would study coastal waters and support coastal managers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would run habitat studies, maintain observation systems, and coordinate its coastal science work. The program would cover coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes habitats. Federal, state, Tribal, and local coastal managers would receive technical help and scientific information when they request it.

NOAA would run research grants and enter agreements for joint research and monitoring. The work would cover coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes habitats. Partners could include colleges and nongovernment groups. Researchers would compete for grants. Congress would need to provide funding separately.

The bill would authorize $75 million in yearly funding for NOAA’s coastal science program. The funding would cover the coastal science program’s work. The authorization would not itself provide money; Congress would need to approve actual funding separately. The yearly authorization would apply to fiscal years 2027 through 2033.