Boosting Ocean Research: New Councils, Funding, and Collaboration for Ocean Health
This act aims to enhance ocean understanding and protection by establishing a new council to coordinate ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization. It increases authorized funding for the ocean exploration program and promotes collaboration among government agencies, researchers, industry, and communities, including Indian Tribes. Citizens will gain better access to ocean data through a public digital archive.
Key points
Establishes the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council to set priorities and coordinate activities.
Authorizes appropriations for NOAA's ocean exploration program at $60 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2026.
Strengthens partnerships among various entities, including Indian Tribes, for better marine environment management and protection.
Creates a publicly accessible, centralized digital archive for ocean-related documents and data.
Develops education and workforce training programs, including for underserved populations, to increase engagement in ocean science.
Expired
Citizen Poll