Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

This bill updates how the federal government fights ocean and Great Lakes trash. It gives NOAA more flexible tools to team up with states, Tribes, nonprofits, and others to prevent and clean up marine debris. For example, NOAA can now use more kinds of agreements and even contribute in-kind support on projects when NOAA benefits, which can speed up local cleanups and research . It also reorganizes parts of existing law to make programs easier to manage, and changes titles so the “Under Secretary” is clearly in charge across key sections .

The bill strengthens the Marine Debris Foundation so it can work better with communities. It clarifies the board and CEO roles, sets six-year terms for directors, and allows the Foundation’s main office to be in the Washington, DC region or a coastal community. It also requires the Foundation to build strong outreach and technical help for Tribal Governments, while making clear this does not replace formal Tribal consultation or affect treaty rights. Funding language is updated so more partners—like regional groups, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and even foreign governments—can be part of solutions .

• Who is affected: coastal shoreline communities (including those on the Great Lakes), states and local governments, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, nonprofits, regional organizations, and NOAA’s marine debris program .
• What changes: more flexible agreements and in-kind support for projects; clearer leadership and structure; stronger board/CEO setup; office location options; required best practices for Tribal outreach; broader partner eligibility for funds .
• When: takes effect upon enactment as amendments to existing marine debris laws and programs; sections are moved and updated to streamline administration .