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Creates a new federal grant program to fund collaborative research on ocean acidification conducted by partnerships between the seafood industry and academic researchers. The program sets eligibility rules, project and proposal requirements, reporting, a matching requirement generally limiting federal share to 85% of project costs (with a waiver option), a 180-day guideline for issuing priorities/implementation guidance, and authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030.
Adds a new section 12406A titled “Ocean acidification collaborative research grants” to the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 by inserting the new section after section 12406.
Defines “academic community” to include faculty and other representatives of institutions of higher education and other schools, researchers, scientists, and natural resource managers.
Defines “seafood industry” to include shellfish growers, shellfish harvesters, commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, other members of the seafood harvesting or supply chain, and organizations representing any of those groups.
Requires the Secretary to provide grants for collaborative research projects on ocean acidification developed and conducted through partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community.
Grants may not be provided unless the project is (1) consistent with themes identified under the strategic research plan developed by the Subcommittee under section 12405; and (2) designed to achieve the following: (A) develop and support partnerships, communications, and shared understanding between the seafood industry and the academic community; (B) include the seafood industry in research on ocean acidification; (C) deliver research, monitoring, or adaptation results that benefit both the seafood industry and the academic community; (D) incorporate expertise of both the seafood industry (including their understanding of the natural environment) and the academic community into the research agenda; (E) promote better understanding of seafood industry research questions and priorities within the academic community; (F) promote wider understanding of ocean acidification among the academic community, the seafood industry, and other stakeholders; and (G) include appropriately balanced support from both the seafood industry and the academic community.
Who is affected and how:
Seafood industry businesses (fisheries, aquaculture farms, processors, distributors) — directly benefit from research tailored to industry needs, can partner with academics to test mitigation and adaptation strategies, and may participate as award recipients or project partners. Smaller businesses may face capacity challenges to lead or match funds without partners or waiver relief.
Academic institutions and research organizations — gain new funding opportunities and incentives to pursue applied, partnership-driven ocean acidification research aligned with industry needs; must meet proposal and reporting requirements.
Commercial and recreational fishers and coastal communities — may benefit indirectly through new science, techniques, or tools that reduce economic and ecological impacts of ocean acidification on seafood resources and local economies.
Federal agencies administering the program — will develop priorities, issue guidance (within the 180‑day guideline), manage competitions, enforce matching and reporting rules, and review waiver requests.
Taxpayers and federal budget planners — face modest new authorized outlays ($5M/year) subject to annual appropriations; the program’s scale is relatively small compared with broader federal research budgets.
Practical effects and risks:
The program encourages applied, industry-relevant research and stronger industry–academic ties, which can accelerate adoption of solutions but may also shift research toward short‑term, applied projects and away from basic research.
The 85% federal share requirement reduces the federal burden but could limit participation by undercapitalized industry partners unless waivers are granted.
Reporting and administrative requirements create compliance costs for applicants and recipients; an agency timeline for guidance (180 days) aims to speed program startup but may compress planning time for applicants.
Funding is limited to $5M/year, so the program will be selective and may fund relatively few projects each year, limiting geographic or sectoral reach unless matched by other funds.
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced April 24, 2025 by Salud Carbajal · Last progress April 24, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House