Does the National Sea Grant College Program Need to be Reauthorized? (H.R. 1900)

What is H.R. 1900?

(Updated March 9, 2017)

This bill would modify the National Sea Grant College Program and authorize appropriations for the 2015-2021 fiscal years. Funding would be provided to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects.

The bill would set placement priorities for legislative fellowships through the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. The placement of fellows in offices of members of Congress or congressional committees that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or the Great Lakes would be prioritized

• University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic non-native species.

• University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks.

• University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms.

• University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues.

• University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies.

• Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not replace, existing core program funding.

A cap on administrative expenses would be set at 5.5 percent of either the amount of authorized appropriations or the amount appropriated in a given fiscal year - whichever amount is smaller.

The Secretary of Commerce would be allowed to accept donations from the public for the National Sea Grant College Program, and would establish spending priorities for the use of donations - which would include the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program.

The National Sea Grant Advisory Board Report would only be required every three years instead of every other year.

Argument in favor

Sea Grant programs carry out vital research into keeping coastal ecosystems healthy and sustainably managing fisheries - both of which are beneficial for the economy and the environment in the long-term.

Argument opposed

The 34 percent increase in authorized appropriations for this program between 2015 and 2021 isn’t explained or justified, even if the program does a lot of important work.

Impact

Researchers at universities and projects funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, people offered a fellowship through the National Sea Grant College Program, the Secretary of Commerce.

Cost of H.R. 1900

The CBO analyzed this legislation and found that it authorizes appropriations totaling $544 million over the 2016-2021 period. It estimated that implementing S. 764 would cost $397 million over the 2016-2020 period, and $147 million after 2020.

Additional Info

In-Depth: A similar version of this legislation was passed by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in December 2014 but failed to receive a vote from the whole Senate.

Of Note: There are 33 Sea Grant programs which are located in every state that borders an ocean, one of the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, and both Puerto Rico and Guam also host a program.

NOAA has estimated that the National Sea Grant College Program makes a $450 million impact on the economy in 2014, while helping 220 coastal communities implement sustainable development practices and policies.

Media:

• Senate Commerce Committee Press Release
• CBO Cost Estimate
• Consortium for Ocean Leadership (Previous Version)
• National Sea Grant College Program (Context)
• National Sea Grant College Program 2014 Performance Metrics (Context)