[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1968 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1968
To support rural coastal and maritime economic development, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 5, 2025
Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Ms. Collins, and Mr. King) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To support rural coastal and maritime economic development, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Working
Waterfronts Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--COASTAL ENERGY
Sec. 101. Credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric
facilities.
Sec. 102. Transition to alternative fuel commercial fishing vessels.
TITLE II--FISHERIES AND SEAFOOD
Sec. 201. Department of Agriculture loans and grants for fishing and
mariculture businesses.
Sec. 202. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to
producers or harvesters of aquatic
products.
Sec. 203. Shellfish mariculture under the national harmful algal bloom
and hypoxia program.
Sec. 204. Allocation of funds under Saltonstall-Kennedy Act.
Sec. 205. Electronic Monitoring Innovation Prize.
TITLE III--SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE
Subtitle A--Rural Coastal Community Processing Grants
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Action plan and identification of coastal communities.
Sec. 303. Grants and cooperative agreements to support rural seafood
processing and cold storage.
Sec. 304. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B--Working Waterfronts Preservation
Sec. 311. Working waterfront access protection grant program.
TITLE IV--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 401. Maritime workforce grant program.
Sec. 402. Safety standards for certain fishing vessels.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Ocean Innovation
Sec. 501. Definitions.
Sec. 502. Ocean Innovation Clusters.
Sec. 503. Grants for Ocean Innovation Clusters.
Subtitle B--Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems and Great Lakes Ecosystems
Sec. 511. Definitions.
Sec. 512. Interagency Working Group on Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems and
Great Lakes ecosystems.
Sec. 513. National-level map and inventory of vegetated coastal
ecosystems and Great Lakes ecosystems.
Sec. 514. Grants for pilot projects and research on coastal natural
infrastructure in cold climates.
Subtitle C--Ocean Acidification
Sec. 521. Definitions in Federal Ocean Acidification Research And
Monitoring Act of 2009.
Sec. 522. Improvement of collaboration on ocean acidification.
Sec. 523. Technical corrections.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
Sec. 531. Transfer of, and amendments to, the Coastal Aquatic Invasive
Species Mitigation Grant Program and
mitigation fund.
TITLE I--COASTAL ENERGY
SEC. 101. CREDIT FOR MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HYDROELECTRIC
FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 48E the following new section:
``SEC. 48F. CREDIT FOR MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HYDROELECTRIC
FACILITIES.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 46, the credit for
maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities for any taxable year
is an amount equal to 30 percent of the basis of any hydropower
improvement property placed in service during such taxable year.
``(b) Certain Progress Expenditure Rules Made Applicable.--Rules
similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4) and (d) of section 46 (as in
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall apply for purposes of subsection (a).
``(c) Hydropower Improvement Property.--In this section, the term
`hydropower improvement property' means property which--
``(1) adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam,
``(2) maintains or improves the quality of the water
retained or released by a qualified dam,
``(3) promotes downstream sediment transport processes and
habitat maintenance with respect to a qualified dam,
``(4) is part of a marine energy technology project or a
marine energy project, or
``(5) places into service an approved remote dam.
``(d) Other Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) Approved remote dam.--The term `approved remote dam'
means--
``(A) a hydroelectric dam which--
``(i) exclusively services communities not
interconnected to the Electric Reliability
Council of Texas, the Eastern Interconnection,
or the Western Interconnection,
``(ii) does not contribute to atmosphere
pollution, and
``(iii) has a maximum net output of not
greater than 40 megawatts, and
``(B) any interconnection property associated with
a dam described in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
``(3) Fish passage.--The term `fish passage' means, with
respect to any qualified dam, any new or upgraded turbine,
fishway, or other fish passage technology which improves fish
migration and survival rates.
``(4) Interconnection property.--The term `interconnection
property' means any tangible property--
``(A)(i) with respect to any dam described in
paragraph (1)(A), to enable the delivery of electricity
from such dam to any customer, or
``(ii) with respect to any project described
paragraph (5)(A) or (6)(A), to enable the delivery of
electricity from such project to any customer, and
``(B) which satisfies the requirements under
clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 48(a)(8)(B).
``(5) Marine energy project.--The term `marine energy
project' means--
``(A) a project which produces electricity from--
``(i) waves, tides, and currents in oceans,
estuaries, and tidal areas,
``(ii) free flowing water in rivers, lakes,
streams, and man-made channels,
``(iii) differentials in salinity and
pressure gradients, or
``(iv) differentials in water temperature,
including ocean thermal energy conversion, and
``(B) any interconnection property associated with
a project described in subparagraph (A).
``(6) Marine energy technology project.--The term `marine
energy technology project' means--
``(A) a project which the Commission determines--
``(i) will produce electricity from a
generator that converts the potential energy of
flowing water,
``(ii) will utilize a generating technology
that is not in widespread, utility scale use in
the United States as of the date of enactment
of this section,
``(iii) will not be, based on information
available to the Commission, likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any
species listed as a threatened species or an
endangered species under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, and
``(iv) will not be, based on information
available to the Commission, likely to result
in the destruction or adverse modification of
an area designated as critical habitat for any
species listed as a threatened species or an
endangered species under such Act, and
``(B) any interconnection property associated with
a project described in subparagraph (A).
``(7) Qualified dam.--The term `qualified dam' means a
hydroelectric dam that is licensed by the Commission or legally
operating without such a license before the date of enactment
of this section.''.
(b) Elective Payment and Transfer of Credit.--
(1) Elective payment.--Section 6417 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the
following:
``(13) The credit for maintaining and enhancing
hydroelectric facilities under section 48F.'', and
(B) in subsection (d)(1)--
(i) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``(C),
or (D)'' each place it appears and inserting
``(C), (D), or (E)'',
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) (as
amended by clause (i)) as subparagraph (F), and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (D)
the following:
``(E) Election with respect to credit for
maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities.--If
a taxpayer other than an entity described in
subparagraph (A) makes an election under this
subparagraph with respect to any taxable year in which
such taxpayer has, after December 31, 2022, placed in
service hydropower improvement property (as defined in
section 48F(c)), such taxpayer shall be treated as an
applicable entity for purposes of this section for such
taxable year, but only with respect to the credit
described in subsection (b)(13).''.
(2) Transfer.--Section 6418(f)(1)(A) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(xii) The credit for maintaining and
enhancing hydroelectric facilities under
section 48F.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the
end,
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``, and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) the credit for maintaining and enhancing
hydroelectric facilities.''.
(2) Section 49(a)(1)(C) of such Code is amended--
(A) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the
end,
(B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``, and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ix) the basis of any hydropower
improvement property under section 48F.''.
(3) Section 50 of such Code is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(2)(E), as amended by section
13702(b) of Public Law 117-169, by striking ``or
48E(e)'' and inserting ``48E(e), or 48F(b)'', and
(B) in subsection (d)(2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``or any hydropower
improvement property (as defined in section
48F(c))'' after ``any energy storage technology
(as defined in section 48(c)(6))'', and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``energy storage technology'' each place it
appears and inserting ``energy storage
technology or hydropower improvement
property''.
(4) The table of sections for subpart E of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 48E the following new item:
``Sec. 48F. Credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric
facilities.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2022.
SEC. 102. TRANSITION TO ALTERNATIVE FUEL COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSELS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(2) Alternative fuel commercial fishing vessel.--The term
``alternative fuel commercial fishing vessel'' means a
commercial fishing vessel that runs on an energy source other
than an energy source that is exclusively derived from
petroleum, including a hybrid energy source.
(3) Commercial fishing vessel.--The term ``commercial
fishing vessel'' has the meaning given the term ``fishing
vessel'' in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.
(4) Necessary shoreside infrastructure.--The term
``necessary shoreside infrastructure'' means shoreside
infrastructure necessary to facilitate the transition of
commercial fishing vessels to alternative fuel commercial
fishing vessels, including charging stations for electric
alternative fuel commercial fishing vessels and refueling
stations for alternative fuel commercial fishing vessels.
(5) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the
pilot program established under subsection (b)(1).
(b) Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall establish a pilot
program to facilitate the transition of United States-flagged
commercial fishing vessels to alternative fuel commercial
fishing vessels.
(2) Use of funds.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
Administrator may make loans--
(A) to facilitate the transition from commercial
fishing vessels using energy sources exclusively
derived from petroleum to alternative fuel commercial
fishing vessels, including loans for the building of
new alternative fuel commercial fishing vessels or
retrofitting existing commercial fishing vessels into
alternative fuel commercial fishing vessels; and
(B) for research and development of alternative
fuel technologies for commercial fishing vessels and
necessary shoreside infrastructure.
(3) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant
of the Coast Guard shall each promulgate regulations necessary
for the implementation of the pilot program.
(c) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator, jointly with the Commandant of the
Coast Guard, shall carry out, and submit to Congress a report
describing the results of, a study on--
(1) methods to further develop alternative fuels for use
with commercial fishing vessels;
(2) how to improve existing alternative fuel technologies
in commercial fishing vessels;
(3) the fuel sources available for commercial fishing
vessels, and the limitations of those fuel sources; and
(4) opportunities for the use of hybrid technologies in
commercial fishing vessels.
(d) Authorizations of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Administrator $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030 to carry out subsection (b).
(2) Allocation of funding.--Of the amounts made available
under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year--
(A) not less than $10,000,000 shall be used to make
loans described in subsection (b)(2)(A); and
(B) not less than $10,000,000 shall be used to make
loans described in subsection (b)(2)(B).
TITLE II--FISHERIES AND SEAFOOD
SEC. 201. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS FOR FISHING AND
MARICULTURE BUSINESSES.
(a) Definitions of Farmer and Farming.--Section 343(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``farming.'' and
inserting ``farming, commercial fishing, or fish processing.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``farming.'' and
inserting ``farming, commercial fishing, and fish
processing.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) Commercial fishing.--The term `commercial fishing'
means fishing (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)) in
which the fish harvested, either in whole or in part, are
intended to enter commerce or enter commerce through sale,
barter, or trade.
``(15) Commercial fishing vessel.--The term `commercial
fishing vessel' means a fishing vessel and a fish processing
vessel (as those terms are defined in section 2101 of title 46,
United States Code).
``(16) Fish.--The term `fish' has the meaning given the
term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.
``(17) Fish processing.--The term `fish processing' means
the processing of fish for commercial use or consumption.
``(18) Fish processing facility.--The term `fish processing
facility' means a facility or vessel, boat, ship, or other
craft used or equipped for fish processing.''.
(b) Farm Ownership Loans.--
(1) Eligibility.--Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Eligibility of wild-caught fish and shellfish.--For
purposes of direct and guaranteed farm loans under this
subtitle--
``(A) the terms `farmer' and `rancher' shall
include an individual or entity engaged in commercial
fishing or fish processing; and
``(B) the terms `farm' and `ranch' shall include--
``(i) a commercial fishing vessel; and
``(ii) a fish processing facility.''.
(2) Purposes.--Section 303(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(3) Commercial fishery participants; fish processors.--
``(A) Commercial fishery participants.--An
individual or entity engaged in commercial fishing may
use a direct or guaranteed loan under this subtitle
for--
``(i) acquiring a commercial fishing
permit; and
``(ii) acquiring, operating, and
maintaining a commercial fishing vessel.
``(B) Fish processors.--An individual or entity
engaged in fish processing may use a direct or
guaranteed loan under this subtitle for acquiring,
operating, and maintaining a fish processing
facility.''.
(c) Farm Operating Loans.--
(1) Eligibility.--Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Eligibility of wild-caught fish and shellfish.--For
purposes of direct and guaranteed farm loans under this
subtitle--
``(A) the terms `farmer' and `rancher' shall
include an individual or entity engaged in commercial
fishing or fish processing; and
``(B) the terms `farm' and `ranch' shall include--
``(i) a commercial fishing vessel; and
``(ii) a fish processing facility.''.
(2) Purposes.--Section 312 of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(f) Commercial Fishery Participants; Fish Processors.--
``(1) Commercial fishery participants.--An individual or
entity engaged in commercial fishing may use a direct or
guaranteed loan under this subtitle for acquiring, operating,
and maintaining a commercial fishing vessel.
``(2) Fish processors.--An individual or entity engaged in
fish processing may use a direct or guaranteed loan under this
subtitle for acquiring, operating, and maintaining a fish
processing facility.''.
(d) Farmers' Markets and Local Food Promotion Program.--Section
210A(d)(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1627c(d)(6)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Eligibility of wild-caught fish and
shellfish.--For purposes of this paragraph--
``(i) an agricultural commodity or product
described in subsection (a)(12) shall include
fish (as defined in section 2101 of title 46,
United States Code) that is caught, taken, or
harvested from the wild; and
``(ii) the eligible activities described in
paragraph (2) shall include domestic seafood
marketing.''.
SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO
PRODUCERS OR HARVESTERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS.
(a) Farm Credit Banks.--
(1) Eligibility for credit and financial services.--Section
1.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their operating
needs; or''.
(2) Purposes for extensions of credit.--Section 1.11(c)(1)
of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``and to persons furnishing services
directly related to the operating needs of producers or
harvesters of aquatic products'' after ``needs''.
(b) Production Credit Associations.--Section 2.4(a) of the Farm
Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their operating
needs.''.
SEC. 203. SHELLFISH MARICULTURE UNDER THE NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM
AND HYPOXIA PROGRAM.
Section 603A of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4002) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as
paragraphs (11) and (12), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) enhance competitive grant programs to support
shellfish mariculture and expand access to testing for harmful
algal bloom toxins for subsistence and recreational shellfish
harvesters through innovative methods that increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of such testing in rural and
remote areas;''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Definition of Shellfish Mariculture.--In this section, the
term `shellfish mariculture' means the cultivation of shellfish in
their natural habitat for human consumption.''.
SEC. 204. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER SALTONSTALL-KENNEDY ACT.
Section 2(f) of the Act of August 11, 1939 (commonly known as the
``Saltonstall-Kennedy Act'') (chapter 696; 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(f)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``all moneys in the fund shall'' and inserting
``25 percent of all moneys transferred to the
Secretary under subsection (b)(1) shall''; and
(ii) in the second sentence, by striking
``all moneys in the fund,'' and all that
follows through ``with respect to that fiscal
year,'' and inserting ``such moneys'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``use no less than 60 per
centum of such moneys'' and inserting ``make
available not less than 75 percent of such
moneys, equal to 18.75 percent of all moneys
transferred to the Secretary under subsection
(b)(1),'';
(ii) by inserting ``under the Saltonstall-
Kennedy competitive grant program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration'' after ``grants''; and
(iii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) the Secretary shall make available not less
than 20 percent of such moneys, equal to 5 percent of
all moneys transferred to the Secretary under
subsection (b)(1), to carry out the Young Fishermen's
Development Act (33 U.S.C. 1141 et seq.); and''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$3,000,000'' and
inserting ``$10,000,000''.
SEC. 205. ELECTRONIC MONITORING INNOVATION PRIZE.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and under the authority provided by section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), the Administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in consultation
with the heads of relevant Federal agencies and nongovernmental
partners, as appropriate, shall establish an Electronic Monitoring
Innovation Prize, which the Administrator may award for the development
of advanced electronic fisheries monitoring equipment and data analysis
tools, including improved fish species recognition software.
TITLE III--SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE
Subtitle A--Rural Coastal Community Processing Grants
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Mariculture.--The term ``mariculture'' means shellfish
and aquatic plants grown under controlled conditions.
(2) Rural coastal community.--The term ``rural coastal
community'' means a coastal community in a rural area (as
defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a))).
(3) Rural processing facility.--The term ``rural processing
facility'' means a seafood or mariculture processing facility
that is located in a rural coastal community.
(4) Seafood.--The term ``seafood'' means wild caught
finfish and shellfish.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
SEC. 302. ACTION PLAN AND IDENTIFICATION OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, shall develop an action plan to facilitate more
domestic processing of United States-caught seafood and mariculture by
rural processing facilities, including rural processing facilities that
have less than 50 employees.
(b) Inclusions.--The action plan developed under subsection (a)
shall include--
(1) an identification of rural coastal communities where
commercial fishing is a significant economic driver and there
exists a need and voiced community desire for the creation of
new (or rehabilitation of existing) seafood processing
infrastructure for rural processing facilities to allow those
communities--
(A) to effectively process their own catch locally;
and
(B) to provide for the local and domestic market;
(2) an identification of rural coastal communities with
existing or developing mariculture operations where processing
infrastructure for rural processing facilities is not
sufficient to meet the needs of the mariculture operations; and
(3) a consideration of the diversity of rural coastal
communities, including geographic diversity.
(c) Identification of Eligible Communities.--The action plan
developed under subsection (a) shall identify rural coastal communities
across the United States that would be eligible for the grants and
cooperative agreements under section 303.
(d) Stakeholder Engagement.--In developing the action plan under
subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Commerce, shall provide a meaningful stakeholder engagement process
that prioritizes outreach and engagement through methods that
effectively reach out to residents of rural coastal communities
described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b).
SEC. 303. GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS TO SUPPORT RURAL SEAFOOD
PROCESSING AND COLD STORAGE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, for the period of fiscal
years 2026 through 2030, make competitive grants or enter into
cooperative agreements--
(1) to support pilot projects for new seafood or
mariculture processing infrastructure for rural processing
facilities in rural coastal communities identified under
section 302(c);
(2) to support pilot projects for the rehabilitation,
repair, or retrofitting of existing seafood or mariculture
processing infrastructure for rural processing facilities in
rural coastal communities identified under section 302(c);
(3) to support pilot projects for new cold storage
infrastructure for rural processing facilities in rural coastal
communities identified under section 302(c); and
(4) to support pilot projects for the rehabilitation,
repair, or retrofitting of existing cold storage infrastructure
for rural processing facilities in rural coastal communities
identified under section 302(c).
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a
cooperative agreement under subsection (a), the recipient of the grant
or participant in the cooperative agreement shall be--
(1) a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or regionally
based network or partnership of public or private entities; or
(2) an individual company that owns or operates one or more
rural processing facilities.
(c) Allocation for Small-Scale Rural Processing Facilities.--Of the
amount made available to make competitive grants and enter into
cooperative agreements under subsection (a) for each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall use 50 percent to support pilot projects described in
that subsection for rural processing facilities that have less than 50
employees.
(d) Evaluation Criteria.--In making grants or entering into
cooperative agreements under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
evaluate, with respect to applications for the grants or cooperative
agreements--
(1) relevancy;
(2) technical merit;
(3) achievability, expertise, and track record; and
(4) equity and community impacts.
(e) Requirements.--A grant or cooperative agreement under
subsection (a) shall be for an amount and term determined appropriate
by the Secretary.
SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Subtitle B--Working Waterfronts Preservation
SEC. 311. WORKING WATERFRONT ACCESS PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Boat.--The term ``boat'' means a watercraft that is not
built in a shipyard, and is typically of the type suitable or
intended for personal use or for use in a fishery.
(2) Boatbuilding industry.--The term ``boatbuilding
industry'' means an industry primarily engaged in building
boats.
(3) Coastal waters.--The term ``coastal waters'' means--
(A) in the Great Lakes area, the waters within the
territorial jurisdiction of the United States
consisting of the Great Lakes, their connecting waters,
harbors, roadsteads, and estuary-type areas such as
bays, shallows, and marshes; and
(B) in other areas, those waters, adjacent to the
shorelines, which contain a measurable quantity or
percentage of sea water, including sounds, bays,
lagoons, bayous, ponds, and estuaries.
(4) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) the government of a coastal State;
(B) a unit of local government within a coastal
State;
(C) a nonprofit organization that the Secretary
determines is appropriate to receive a grant under
subsection (b); or
(D) a participant in the commercial fishing
industry, the mariculture industry, or the for-hire
recreational fishing industry.
(5) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means
a project--
(A) to--
(i) make improvements to real property that
is a working waterfront area located in a
coastal State and owned by an eligible entity,
including--
(I) the construction or repair of
wharfs or related facilities;
(II) the provision of access to
coastal waters in working waterfront
areas to persons engaged in the
commercial fishing industry, the
mariculture industry, the for-hire
recreational fishing industry, or the
boatbuilding industry; and
(III) improvements made to such
property in order to be resilient to
climate change; or
(ii) permanently designate or otherwise
protect real property owned or operated by an
eligible entity as a working waterfront area;
(B) that has been approved or endorsed by the State
government entity responsible for fishery management or
the State's coastal zone management agency; and
(C) that is consistent with State coastal shoreline
access laws (including regulations).
(6) Mariculture.--The term ``mariculture'' means shellfish
and aquatic plants grown under controlled conditions.
(7) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization that is--
(A) described in section 501(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986; and
(B) exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(9) Working waterfront area.--The term ``working waterfront
area'' means land that is used for, or that supports, the
commercial fishing industry, the mariculture industry, the for-
hire recreational fishing industry, or the boatbuilding
industry.
(b) Grant Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Economic
Development Administration of the Department of Commerce, shall
award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to
carry out eligible projects that support the commercial fishing
industry, the mariculture industry, the for-hire recreational
fishing industry, or the boatbuilding industry in coastal
States.
(2) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary may reasonably require.
(3) Grant selection considerations.--In selecting eligible
entities to receive grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give substantial weight to--
(A) the economic significance of the eligible
project to the commercial fishing industry, the
mariculture industry, the for-hire recreational fishing
industry, or the boatbuilding industry in the immediate
vicinity and in the coastal State in which the eligible
project is located;
(B) whether other adequate waterfront access
alternatives exist for the commercial fishing industry
within the community in which the eligible entity seeks
to use grant funding;
(C) the utility of the eligible project for use in
the commercial fishing industry, the mariculture
industry, the for-hire recreational fishing industry,
or the boatbuilding industry, with respect to the
natural characteristics and developed infrastructure of
the relevant property;
(D) whether the applicant has a business plan for
the area in which the project will be located;
(E) the likelihood that the working waterfront area
will remain compatible with commercial fishing,
mariculture, for-hire recreational fishing, or
boatbuilding, and the applicant's ability to
demonstrate a need for, or support for, the project
within the community; and
(F) whether the applicant intends to permanently
protect the relevant property.
(c) Cost Sharing.--The amount of a grant awarded under this section
to carry out an eligible project may not exceed 50 percent of the total
cost of the eligible project.
(d) Improved or Protected Property.--
(1) In general.--Grants awarded under this section may be
used to improve or protect privately owned real property or
interests in privately owned real property, including
easements, only from willing owners.
(2) No exercise of eminent domain.--No Federal, State, or
local agency may exercise the power of eminent domain to secure
title to any real property or facilities in connection with a
project carried out under this Act.
(e) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an
annual report that describes the eligible projects funded with grants
awarded under this section.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2030.
TITLE IV--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 401. MARITIME WORKFORCE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Amendment.--Chapter 517 of title 46, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 51708. Maritime workforce grant program
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible applicant.--The term `eligible applicant'
means an entity that--
``(A) operates a program or performs activities
leading to the recruitment, education, or training of
future or current members of the maritime workforce;
and
``(B) submits an application in such form as the
Secretary may require.
``(2) Maritime workforce.--The term `maritime workforce'
includes positions of employment requiring a license,
certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document issued
under part E of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code.
``(3) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
given the term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)), without regard to
subparagraphs (B), (C), and (E) through (I) of paragraph (13)
of that section.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
``(b) Program Authorized.--The Secretary, acting through the
Maritime Administrator, shall establish a program to provide grants, on
a competitive basis, to eligible applicants for eligible activities
described in subsection (c) that support maritime workforce
development.
``(c) Eligible Activities.--An eligible activity is an activity
carried out by an eligible applicant--
``(1) to establish a new, or improve an existing, training
program that teaches technical skills used in general seagoing
operations and specific areas, such as deck or engineering,
including the purchase of equipment for such programs;
``(2) to provide technical training or certification
courses leading to maritime workforce credentialing, including
any of the endorsements listed in section 10.109 of title 46,
Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation;
``(3) to create and deliver a program designed to provide
high school students with meaningful maritime education in
order to teach the future maritime workforce;
``(4) to support the professional development of teachers
using a curriculum of a program described in paragraph (1),
(2), or (3);
``(5) to establish, or support existing, scholarships or
apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the
maritime workforce;
``(6) to support outreach about careers in the maritime
workforce to--
``(A) secondary and postsecondary school students;
or
``(B) underrepresented communities, as defined by
the Secretary, in the maritime workforce; or
``(7) to otherwise enhance the maritime workforce.
``(d) Grant Application Review.--In reviewing and selecting
eligible applicants to receive grants under this section, the Secretary
shall--
``(1) prior to selecting among competing applications,
consult, as appropriate, with representatives of the maritime
workforce;
``(2) ensure that the grants awarded under subsection (b)
will allow participation from eligible applicants in rural,
suburban, and urban areas; and
``(3) award not less than 25 percent of the grant funds
available for each fiscal year to eligible applicants located
in rural areas.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 51708 of title 46, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a), $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2030.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 517 of title 46,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``51708. Maritime workforce grant program.''.
SEC. 402. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN FISHING VESSELS.
Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following:
``(B) to conduct safety and prevention training that
addresses behavioral and physical health risks, to include
substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing fishing
vessel operators and crewmembers; and'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(3); and
(D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C), by striking ``$3,000,000 for fiscal
year 2023'' and inserting ``$6,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2026 and 2027'';
(2) in subsection (j)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and severe
weather detection'' and inserting ``severe weather
detection, and understanding and mitigating behavioral
and physical health risks, to include substance use
disorder and worker fatigue, facing members of the
commercial fishing industry'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(3); and
(D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C), by striking ``$3,000,000 for fiscal
year 2023'' and inserting ``$6,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2026 and 2027'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
(4) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
``(k) From amounts appropriated under subsections (i)(3) and (j)(3)
for a fiscal year, the Secretary may transfer to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services funds to pay for the Secretary's
administration of the grant programs under subsections (i) and (j) for
such fiscal year.''.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Ocean Innovation
SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Blue economy.--The term ``Blue Economy'' means the
value and impact of sustainable industries related to the Great
Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts on the economy of
the United States, including living resources, marine
construction, marine transportation, offshore energy
development and siting including for renewable energy, offshore
mineral production, ship and boat building, tourism,
recreation, subsistence, commercial, recreational, and charter
fishing, seafood processing, and other fishery-related
businesses, kelp and shellfish aquaculture, coastal resilience,
and other industries the Secretary of Commerce considers
appropriate.
(2) Director of sea grant.--The term ``Director of Sea
Grant'' means the Director of the National Sea Grant College
Program appointed under section 204(d)(1) of the National Sea
Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(1)).
(3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(4) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native
Hawaiian organization'' has the meaning given the term in
section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C.
7517).
(5) Ocean innovation center for cross-sector
collaboration.--The term ``Ocean Innovation Center for Cross-
Sector Collaboration'' means a physical space for collaboration
developed and managed in accordance with section 502(i).
(6) Ocean innovation cluster.--The term ``Ocean Innovation
Cluster'' means an eligible entity designated by the Secretary
of Commerce under section 502.
SEC. 502. OCEAN INNOVATION CLUSTERS.
(a) Designation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with
the Director of Sea Grant, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development, shall designate not fewer than 7 eligible
entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters.
(b) Eligible Entities.--For purposes of this section, an eligible
entity is an entity--
(1) that is composed, in a concentrated geographic region,
of 1 or more--
(A) business organizations;
(B) academic institutions, including minority- and
Tribal-serving institutions;
(C) not-for-profit organizations;
(D) Federal, State, or local governmental entities,
agencies, or instrumentalities;
(E) Indian Tribes; or
(F) Native Hawaiian organizations;
(2) that is led by a not-for-profit organization; and
(3) that works to deliver services in the concentrated
geographic region where the entity is located, enhance
collaboration, promote innovation, and contribute to the
equitable and sustainable growth of the Blue Economy across all
sectors.
(c) Priority.--In designating entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall prioritize
entities with a history of supporting cross-sector growth and
development of the Blue Economy.
(d) Geographic Diversity.--The Secretary of Commerce shall
designate not fewer than 1 Ocean Innovation Cluster under subsection
(a) in--
(1) each of the regions covered by the 5 regional offices
of the National Marine Fisheries Service;
(2) the Great Lakes region; and
(3) the Gulf of Mexico region.
(e) Considerations.--In designating an eligible entity as an Ocean
Innovation Cluster under subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce
shall consider the following:
(1) The economic development potential of the coastal
community or region in which the entity is located.
(2) The ability of the entity to incorporate and bring
growth and opportunity to broad geographic areas, including
urban, rural, and underserved areas.
(3) Whether the entity serves a diverse, multigenerational,
ocean-dependent population consisting of groups with different
socioeconomic and educational attainment levels, industries,
and Indian Tribes.
(4) The ability of the entity to cultivate and leverage
partnerships with private industry, academia, nongovernmental
organizations, Federal, State, and local governments, and
Indian Tribes to collaborate on shared outcomes.
(5) The relative potential for the designation of the
entity as an Ocean Innovation Cluster to reverse a decline, or
accelerate growth, in ocean sector jobs.
(6) The ability of the entity to carry out projects that
support economic and climate resilience through economic
diversification and long-term recovery from natural disasters.
(7) The extent, rural and underserved nature, and economic
underutilization of the coastline and ocean area that projects
carried out by the entity could affect.
(f) Partnership Management.--
(1) Partnership liaisons.--
(A) Designation.--The Director of Sea Grant, the
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development shall each designate 1 partnership
manager from within their respective agencies to serve
as a partnership liaison between each Ocean Innovation
Cluster and Sea Grant, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, and the Economic
Development Administration, respectively.
(B) Function.--Each partnership liaison designated
under subparagraph (A) shall ensure that Ocean
Innovation Clusters--
(i) have direct communication with the
agency of the liaison; and
(ii) allow for collaboration and alignment
with Federal objectives in each region
regarding the Blue Economy.
(2) Interagency coordination.--
(A) Secretary of commerce.--The Secretary of
Commerce shall coordinate with the Director of Sea
Grant, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans
and Atmosphere, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development, the Department of Energy, the
Maritime Administration of the Department of
Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management of the Department
of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the
Coast Guard, and such other Federal agencies, including
bureaus of the Department of Commerce, as the Secretary
of Commerce considers appropriate to increase technical
knowledge exchange and opportunities for cross-sector
collaboration with those agencies.
(B) Secretary of energy.--With respect to matters
relating to the nexus of the Blue Economy and the
responsibilities and expertise of the Department of
Energy, the Secretary of Energy--
(i) shall provide advice and
recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce in
order to increase technical knowledge exchange
and opportunities for cross-sector
collaboration; and
(ii) may provide such advice and
recommendations without any formal request from
the Department of Commerce.
(g) Development of Economic Impact Metrics of Ocean Innovation
Clusters.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the
Department of Commerce, and the heads of other relevant Federal
agencies shall use and refine the Marine Economy Satellite Account to
measure the value to and impact of Ocean Innovation Clusters on the
Blue Economy.
(h) Areas of Focus.--The Director of Sea Grant, the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development shall coordinate with
each Ocean Innovation Cluster in the following areas of focus:
(1) Increasing pathways for new entrants into the Blue
Economy for individuals and entities.
(2) Intellectual property management.
(3) Enhancing the sustainability of seafood supply chains,
including with respect to food, transportation, processing,
health and beauty products, animal feed, medical biotechnology,
bioplastics, biofuels, and other value-added products, to
strive for full use of harvested natural resources.
(4) Providing significant and sustainable economic
opportunity through advanced research, cross-sector science,
and technology development.
(5) Contributing new knowledge, processes, technology, and
support for stakeholders in the Blue Economy, especially to
advance sustainability in specific sectors.
(6) Working with Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies
to clearly communicate laws, regulations, and agency practices
affecting industry needs, planning, or growth opportunities.
(7) Creating investable opportunities through the
development of economies of scale to enhance growth
opportunities, job creation, sustainability, and expansion for
small businesses within the Blue Economy.
(8) Workforce development and training, business planning,
identifying existing and needed technology and economic
infrastructure, and coordinated research and development among
small businesses, government, and industry.
(9) Research, development, and implementation of ocean
energy, bioprospecting, and other innovative and sustainable
ocean resource development endeavors.
(i) Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration.--
(1) In general.--In order to foster collaboration and
innovation and strengthen regional ocean sector economies while
creating employment opportunities, the Director of Sea Grant,
the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere,
and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic
Development shall collaborate with cross-sector partners to
jointly develop or designate at least 1 physical space for
collaboration as an Ocean Innovation Center for Cross-Sector
Collaboration within each of the 7 regions with an Ocean
Innovation Cluster.
(2) Management.--An Ocean Innovation Cluster or a group of
Ocean Innovation Clusters shall manage the Ocean Innovation
Center for Cross-Sector Collaboration of the region in which
the Cluster or Clusters is located.
(3) Functions.--Each Ocean Innovation Center for Cross-
Sector Collaboration shall--
(A) serve as a hub for partners within Ocean
Innovation Clusters to work toward the areas of focus
in described in subsection (h);
(B) support a community of entrepreneurs focused on
strengthening vibrant marine-dependent communities and
the Blue Economy;
(C) create workspaces and laboratories designed to
promote collaboration, including through shared meeting
rooms, access to technology, common spaces, and
offices;
(D) strengthen relationships among industry sectors
through shared scientific, staffing, and business
resources;
(E) develop the critical networks with cross-sector
partners that entrepreneurs need to grow effectively;
and
(F) develop the next generation of Blue Economy
workers by providing internships, apprenticeships, or
training, as appropriate, including for
underrepresented and Tribal communities and local trade
schools.
SEC. 503. GRANTS FOR OCEAN INNOVATION CLUSTERS.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 31. GRANTS FOR OCEAN INNOVATION CLUSTERS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Director
of Sea Grant, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic
Development, may award grants, on a competitive basis, to Ocean
Innovation Clusters for the purposes described in subsection (b).
``(b) Purposes.--The Secretary may award grants under subsection
(a) for the operation and administration of one or more Ocean
Innovation Clusters under section 502 of the Working Waterfronts Act of
2025, with the goal that Ocean Innovation Clusters will become
membership-based, self-sustaining entities.
``(c) Input.--In awarding a grant under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall provide an opportunity for input from the Director of
Sea Grant, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic
Development.
``(d) Term of Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The term of a grant awarded under
subsection (a) shall be 2 years.
``(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may renew a grant awarded
under subsection (a) for additional periods of such duration as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate and necessary for
the Ocean Innovation Cluster that received the grant to provide
regional economic benefits.
``(e) Limitations on Grant Amounts.--A grant awarded under
subsection (a) may not exceed $10,000,000.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to award grants under subsection (a)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Director of sea grant.--The term `Director of Sea
Grant' means the Director of the National Sea Grant College
Program appointed under section 204(d)(1) of the National Sea
Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(1)).
``(2) Ocean innovation cluster.--The term `Ocean Innovation
Cluster' has the meaning given that term in section 501 of the
Working Waterfronts Act of 2025.''.
Subtitle B--Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems and Great Lakes Ecosystems
SEC. 511. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere in the
Under Secretary's capacity as the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(3) Interagency working group.--The term ``Interagency
Working Group'' means the Interagency Working Group on
Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems and Great Lakes Ecosystems
established under section 512(a).
(4) Natural infrastructure.--The term ``natural
infrastructure'' has the meaning given that term in section
101(a) of title 23, United States Code.
(5) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from
taxation under 501(a) of that Code.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means each State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United
States, and any other territory or possession of the United
States.
(7) Vegetated coastal ecosystems.--The term ``vegetated
coastal ecosystems'' includes mangroves, tidal marshes,
seagrasses, kelp forests, and other tidal, freshwater, or salt-
water wetlands.
SEC. 512. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON VEGETATED COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS AND
GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEMS.
(a) Establishment.--The Subcommittee on Ocean Science and
Technology of the National Science and Technology Council shall
establish an interagency working group to be known as the ``Interagency
Working Group on Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems and Great Lakes
Ecosystems''.
(b) Membership.--The Interagency Working Group shall be comprised
of the Ocean Policy Committee established by section 8932 of title 10,
United States Code.
(c) Chairperson.--The Interagency Working Group shall be chaired by
the Administrator.
(d) Responsibilities.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Interagency Working Group, shall produce, update, maintain, and use a
map and inventory of vegetated coastal ecosystems and Great Lakes
ecosystems as described in section 513.
SEC. 513. NATIONAL-LEVEL MAP AND INVENTORY OF VEGETATED COASTAL
ECOSYSTEMS AND GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--The Interagency Working Group shall produce,
update, and maintain a national-level map and inventory of vegetated
coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems that includes--
(1) the types of habitats and the species in such
ecosystems;
(2) the condition of such ecosystems, including whether an
ecosystem is degraded, drained, eutrophic, or tidally
restricted;
(3) the type of public or private ownership and any
protected status of such ecosystems;
(4) the size of such ecosystems;
(5) the salinity boundaries of such ecosystems;
(6) the tidal boundaries of such ecosystems;
(7) an assessment of carbon sequestration potential,
methane production, and net greenhouse gas reductions with
respect to such ecosystems, including consideration of--
(A) quantification;
(B) verifiability;
(C) comparison to a historical baseline as
available; and
(D) permanence of those benefits;
(8) the potential for landward migration within such
ecosystems as a result of sea level rise;
(9) any upstream restrictions of such ecosystems that are
detrimental to the watershed process and conditions, such as
dams, dikes, levees, and other water management practices;
(10) the conversion of such ecosystems to other land uses
and the cause of such conversion; and
(11) a depiction of the effects of climate change,
including sea level rise, environmental stressors, and other
stressors on the sequestration rate, carbon storage, and
potential of such ecosystems.
(b) Data Incorporation; Engagement.--In carrying out subsection
(a), the Interagency Working Group shall--
(1) incorporate, to the extent practicable, data
collected--
(A) by Federal agencies, State agencies, Indian
Tribes, or local agencies through research that is
funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government;
and
(B) through peer-reviewed published works; and
(2) engage regional experts, State agencies, Indian Tribes,
and additional data and information resources in order to
accurately account for regional differences in vegetated
coastal ecosystems and Great Lakes ecosystems.
(c) Use of Map and Inventory.--The Interagency Working Group shall
use the national-level map and inventory produced under subsection
(a)--
(1) to assess the carbon sequestration potential of
different vegetated coastal ecosystems and Great Lakes
ecosystems and account for any regional differences;
(2) to assess and quantify emissions from degraded and
destroyed vegetated coastal ecosystems and Great Lakes
ecosystems;
(3) to develop regional assessments in partnership with, or
to provide technical assistance to--
(A) regional, State, and local government agencies;
(B) Indian Tribes; and
(C) regional coastal observing systems (as defined
in section 12303(6) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3602(6)));
(4) to assess degraded vegetated coastal ecosystems and
Great Lakes ecosystems and the potential for restoration of
such ecosystems, including developing scenario modeling to
identify vulnerable land areas and living shorelines where
management, conservation, and restoration efforts should be
focused;
(5) to produce predictions relating to carbon sequestration
rates in the context of climate change, environmental
stressors, and other stressors;
(6) to inform how and where coastal vegetation can serve as
natural infrastructure to most effectively protect coastlines
from storm surges and climate hazards; and
(7) to further understand which types of coastal and Great
Lakes vegetation can be used as natural infrastructure to
protect coastlines in different climates, especially cold
climates, including the Arctic region.
SEC. 514. GRANTS FOR PILOT PROJECTS AND RESEARCH ON COASTAL NATURAL
INFRASTRUCTURE IN COLD CLIMATES.
(a) In General.--During fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the
Administrator shall award grants through the national sea grant college
program, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to support--
(1) the implementation of coastal natural infrastructure
pilot projects in cold climates, including the Arctic region of
the United States, that will protect the coastline from storm
surges, hazards caused by climate change, erosion, and
permafrost melt; and
(2) research on how effective coastal natural
infrastructure projects can be in protecting coastlines in cold
climates, including the Arctic region.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (a), an entity shall be a--
(1) a State or local government;
(2) an Indian Tribe;
(3) an academic institution;
(4) a nonprofit organization; or
(5) a combination of entities described in paragraphs (1)
through (4).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2026 and 2027.
(d) National Sea Grant College Program Defined.--In this section,
the term ``national sea grant college program'' means the national sea
grant college program maintained under section 204 of the National Sea
Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123).
Subtitle C--Ocean Acidification
SEC. 521. DEFINITIONS IN FEDERAL OCEAN ACIDIFICATION RESEARCH AND
MONITORING ACT OF 2009.
Section 12403 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And
Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3702) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(3) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native
Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given that term in
section 3 of the NATIVE Act (25 U.S.C. 4352).'';
(4) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
inserting ``an increase of'' before ``carbon dioxide''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Subcommittee.--The term `Subcommittee' means the
National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Ocean
Science and Technology.
``(8) United states.--The term `United States' means the
States, collectively.''.
SEC. 522. IMPROVEMENT OF COLLABORATION ON OCEAN ACIDIFICATION.
(a) Ongoing Input Mechanism.--Section 12404(c)(2) of the Federal
Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3703(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) establish an ongoing mechanism (such as a
liaison or other contact of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, standing meetings, or an
online platform) to engage affected industry members,
coastal stakeholders, community acidification networks,
fishery management councils and commissions, Indian
Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal
organizations, Tribal consortia, non-Federal resource
managers, and scientific experts not employed by the
Federal Government to provide input on research, data,
and monitoring that is necessary to support on-the-
ground management, decision making, and adaptation
related to ocean acidification and coastal
acidification and the impacts of ocean acidification
and coastal acidification.''.
(b) Advisory Board Membership.--Section 12404(c)(3) of the Federal
Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3703(c)(3)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) through (Q) as
subparagraphs (H) through (R), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
``(G) Two representatives from Indian Tribes,
Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, or
Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and
coastal acidification.''; and
(3) in subparagraph (H), as redesignated by paragraph (1),
by striking ``Six'' and inserting ``Four''.
(c) Appointment of Advisory Board Members.--Section 12404(c)(4)(C)
of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009
(33 U.S.C. 3703(c)(4)(C)) is amended by inserting ``Indian Tribes and
Native Hawaiian organizations,'' after ``managers,''.
(d) Engagement and Coordination With Indian Tribes and Native
Hawaiian Organizations.--Paragraph (9) of section 12404(c) of the
Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33
U.S.C. 3703(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(9) Engagement and coordination with indian tribes and
native hawaiian organizations.--
``(A) Policy required.--Not later than one year
after the date on which the Advisory Board is
established, the Advisory Board shall develop and
commence maintaining a policy for engagement and
coordination with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian
organizations affected by ocean acidification and
coastal acidification.
``(B) Consultation.--In developing the policy under
subparagraph (A), the Advisory Board shall consult with
Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations
affected by ocean acidification and coastal
acidification.''.
(e) Collaboration on Vulnerability Assessments, Research Planning,
and Similar Activities.--Section 12404(e)(4)(A) of the Federal Ocean
Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3703(e)(4)(A)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating clauses (ix) and (x) as clauses (x)
and (xi), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after clause (viii) the following:
``(ix) identifies the efforts of the
Secretary to collaborate with State and local
governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian
organizations on community vulnerability
assessments, research planning, and similar
activities, pursuant to section 12406(e);''.
(f) Contents of Strategic Research Plan.--Section 12405(b) of the
Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33
U.S.C. 3704(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (10), by striking ``section 12404(c)(4)''
and inserting ``section 12404(e)(4)''; and
(2) in paragraph (11), by striking ``potentially affected
industry members, coastal stakeholders, fishery management
councils and commissions, Tribal governments, non-Federal
resource managers, and scientific experts'' and inserting
``affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, community
acidification networks, fishery management councils and
commissions, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, non-
Federal resource managers, and scientific experts not employed
by the Federal Government''.
(g) Improving Collaboration on NOAA Ocean Acidification
Activities.--Section 12406 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3705) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (D), by adding a
semicolon at the end; and
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking
``Tribal governments'' and inserting ``Indian
Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``industry
members, coastal stakeholders, fishery management
councils and commissions, non-Federal resource
managers, community acidification networks, indigenous
knowledge groups, and scientific experts'' and
inserting ``affected industry members, coastal
stakeholders, community acidification networks, fishery
management councils and commissions, Indian Tribes,
Native Hawaiian organizations, non-Federal resource
managers, and scientific experts not employed by the
Federal Government'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``State, local,
and Tribal governments'' and inserting ``State and
local governments, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian
organizations,''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``;
or'' and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C);
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following:
``(B) on ocean acidification and coastal
acidification research, data, and monitoring from
affected industry members, coastal stakeholders,
community acidification networks, fishery management
councils and commissions, Indian Tribes, Native
Hawaiian organizations, non-Federal resource managers,
and scientific experts not employed by the Federal
Government; or''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated
by clause (ii), by striking ``State
governments, local governments, Tribal
governments'' and inserting ``State and local
governments, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian
organizations'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)(C), by striking ``Tribes or Tribal
governments'' and inserting ``Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian
organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia'';
and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Better Collaboration on Vulnerability Assessments, Research
Planning, and Similar Activities.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), and in support of vulnerability assessments
transmitted under section 12404(e)(4) and recommendations
included in the strategic research plan described in section
12405(b)(10), the Secretary shall build upon existing
activities and collaborate with State and local governments and
Indian Tribes that are conducting or have completed
vulnerability assessments, research planning, climate action
plans, or other similar activities related to ocean
acidification and coastal acidification and the impacts of
ocean acidification and coastal acidification on coastal
communities, for the purpose of--
``(A) supporting collaborative interagency
relationships and information sharing at the State,
local, and Tribal levels; and
``(B) assisting State and local governments and
Indian Tribes in--
``(i) improving existing systems and
programs to better address ocean acidification
and coastal acidification; and
``(ii) identifying whether such activities
can be used as a model for other communities.
``(2) Indian tribes, native hawaiian organizations, tribal
organizations, and tribal consortia.--In carrying out the
program under subsection (a), and in support of vulnerability
assessments transmitted under section 12404(e)(4) and
recommendations included in the strategic research plan
described in section 12405(b)(10), the Secretary may build upon
existing activities and collaborate with Indian Tribes, Native
Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal
consortia that are conducting or have completed vulnerability
assessments, research planning, climate action plans, or other
similar activities related to ocean acidification and coastal
acidification and the impacts of ocean acidification and
coastal acidification on coastal communities.''.
SEC. 523. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
The Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009
(33 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 12402 (33 U.S.C. 3701)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``development
coordination and implementation'' and inserting
``development, coordination, and implementation''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``research
adaptation strategies and mitigating the impacts'' and
inserting ``research on adaptation strategies and
mitigation of the impacts'';
(2) in section 12404 (33 U.S.C. 3703)--
(A) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period;
(B) in subsection (c)(2)(A)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``subsection
(d)(2)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)(2)'';
and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking
``subsection (d)(3)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)(3)'';
(C) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``this
section'' and inserting ``this subsection''; and
(D) in subsection (e)--
(i) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking
``interagency'' and inserting ``the''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``years
until 2031 thereafter'' and inserting ``years
thereafter until 2031''; and
(3) in section 12406(d)(2) (33 U.S.C. 3705(d)(2)), by
striking ``The Secretary to,'' and inserting ``The Secretary,
to''.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
SEC. 531. TRANSFER OF, AND AMENDMENTS TO, THE COASTAL AQUATIC INVASIVE
SPECIES MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM AND MITIGATION FUND.
(a) Transfer.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (f) of section 903 of the
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 4729) is--
(A) transferred to section 1202 of the
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control
Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4722);
(B) redesignated as subsection (l) of that section
1202; and
(C) added at the end of that section 1202.
(2) Availability of appropriations.--Paragraph (1) shall
not affect the availability of amounts made available in
appropriation Acts for the purpose of carrying out the program
transferred by paragraph (1) to the Nonindigenous Aquatic
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et
seq.).
(b) Amendments.--Subsection (l) of section 1202 of the
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16
U.S.C. 4722), as transferred and redesignated under subsection (a), is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and
(G), as subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), respectively;
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and the
Foundation'' both places the term appears;
(B) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
(i) in subclause (I), by striking
``programs, including permissible State ballast
water'' and inserting ``programs for Federal
and State agencies, territories of the United
States, Tribal governments or organizations,
and interstate organizations, including
permissible ballast water'';
(ii) by striking subclause (III);
(iii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and
(V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively;
and
(iv) in subclause (IV), as redesignated by
clause (iii), by striking ``infrastructure,
such as hydroelectric infrastructure, from
aquatic invasive species'' and inserting
``aquaculture and associated infrastructure
from aquatic invasive species with particular
emphasis on underserved communities'';
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary''
and inserting ``Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of the Working Waterfronts Act of 2025,
the Secretary''; and
(D) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and the
Foundation are'' and inserting ``is''; and
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $5,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and the
Foundation''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 903 of the Vessel Incidental
Discharge Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 4729), as amended by subsection (a),
is further amended by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as
subsections (f) and (g), respectively.
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