North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act

This bill updates how the North Pacific Research Board works. It adds a new seat for an Alaska Native member who knows and has direct experience with subsistence use of local resources. It also sets three-year terms for certain members and allows them to be reappointed once. The bill changes how much money can be used for running the board and managing grants: if total funding drops from one year to the next, NOAA can raise the usual 15% cap to keep the board operating, focus dollars on research, and maintain strong grant oversight. For the first five years after the law takes effect, the 15% cap is fully waived to help the board stay stable and effective. These steps aim to keep high-quality research on Alaska’s fisheries and marine ecosystems moving forward while including Alaska Native voices in decisions .

| Key point | What changes | Who is affected | When | | — | — | — | — | | Board membership | Adds one Alaska Native member with subsistence experience; sets three-year terms with one possible reappointment for certain seats | Alaska Native communities, board members | Upon enactment | | Admin spending cap | NOAA may raise the 15% cap if yearly funding falls, to keep operations strong and prioritize research quality | Board staff, grant managers, researchers | When funding is lower than the prior year | | Temporary waiver | Waives the 15% cap for five years after enactment | Board operations and grantees | First five years after the law starts |