Coastal Ocean Research for Management Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 22, 2026
Bottom line
This bill codifies and funds a NOAA program to enhance scientific understanding and management of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes ecosystems through research, monitoring, and stakeholder support.
What it actually does
This bill formally establishes the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It mandates NCCOS to conduct studies and monitoring of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes habitats, provide technical assistance to stakeholders, manage competitive grants, and coordinate coastal ocean science activities across various NOAA programs. The bill authorizes $75 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to fund these activities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that formalizing and providing stable funding for NCCOS is critical for addressing pressing environmental challenges such as coastal erosion, habitat degradation, and harmful algal blooms. They contend it ensures that coastal communities and resource managers have access to actionable scientific information and tools, fostering data-driven decision-making essential for protecting public health, advancing coastal economies, and conserving vital aquatic resources.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the cost of establishing and funding a new statutorily mandated program, suggesting that existing NOAA structures or other federal agencies could fulfill these responsibilities without additional dedicated authorization. Some may question the efficiency of centralizing these research efforts or argue that the authorized spending could be better allocated to other federal priorities.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, making it accessible for a quick and informed evaluation by interested parties.
Section 2(b)
Establishment and Duties of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Program
This section formally establishes the NCCOS program within NOAA, outlining its core mission to enhance understanding and management of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes habitats. It mandates the Administrator to conduct long-term ecological studies and monitoring, support research on issues like seafood production and coastal resilience, and maintain observation systems. Additionally, NCCOS is directed to provide technical assistance and scientific information to federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders, manage competitive grants and cooperative agreements for external research, and coordinate coastal ocean science activities across various NOAA programs and related acts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formalizing NCCOS provides a clear mandate and stable framework for essential research, ensuring that coastal communities and resource managers have the best available science to address environmental challenges and support sustainable economies. The coordination aspect prevents duplication of effort and maximizes the impact of federal science investments.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that formalizing this program could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or overlap with existing NOAA functions, potentially diverting resources from other critical areas. Some may argue that the scope of activities is already covered by other authorities and does not require new dedicated legislation.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for a dedicated, coordinated coastal science program with concerns about potential bureaucratic expansion or resource allocation within NOAA's broader mission. It centralizes certain research functions while also promoting external partnerships.
Section 2(c)
Authorization of Appropriations for NCCOS Program
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to the Administrator of NOAA to carry out the NCCOS program. This provides a specific funding level and duration for the program, ensuring a sustained financial commitment to its activities over a seven-year period, subject to annual appropriations.