Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025

This legislation continues and updates the national system that tracks ocean and coastal conditions, and adds weather (meteorological) observations to its mission. It pushes agencies and regional groups to share data better, supports forecasts for storms and harmful algal blooms, and guides coastal resource management. It also requires an annual “after the storm” review to see how well the system helped predict major storms.

It sets funding at $56,000,000 per year from 2026 through 2030. At least 7.5% of those funds must go to each regional coastal observing system that already exists as of January 1, 2025. Disaster relief add-on funds are not part of that 7.5% rule.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Coastal communities, fishers, boaters, emergency planners, scientists, and weather and ocean data users in every region.
• What changes: Adds weather data to the system’s purpose; boosts regional data sharing; expands focus to harmful algal bloom forecasting and coastal resource management; and adds a post-storm performance review.
• Funding: $56 million each year (2026–2030), with at least 7.5% for each existing regional system.
• Why it matters: More timely, local data can improve storm warnings, water quality alerts, and decisions that protect coasts and the people who live and work there.