NOAA's Coastal Management Budget Increased for 2022

In recent years, critical NOAA programs, including coastal zone management, coastal resilience, national estuarine reserves, and Sea Grant have been plagued by insufficient federal funding. Surfrider responded by launching a national campaign to increase NOAA's budget for fiscal year 2022. We urged our grassroots network to contact their federal representatives in support of NOAA funding. We generated public awareness on what these budget cuts would mean for our nation's ocean and coastal resources. Finally, during Coastal Recreation Hill Day in Washington D.C., Surfrider members participated in 125 visits with congressional offices in support of NOAA funding.
Congress responded by passing a spending bill for 2022 that increases support for the National Ocean Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, as well as key progams that fall under each of these NOAA offices. Thanks to everyone who spoke out in support of ocean and coastal management!.

Below is a summary of just some of NOAA's functions and benefits:

• Managing our nation's coasts in partnership with states, tribes, and communities to protect these vital resources for public use and enjoyment.
• Providing weather forecasts and related data that serve the needs of millions of people every day.
• Researching the effects of climate change so we can better understand the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet.
• Ensuring sustainable fisheries that support jobs and help keep our seafood safe.
• Protecting marine ecosystems through a variety of programs including National Marine Sanctuaries.
• Collaborating with partners to conduct research that improves our understanding of the marine environment.
• Supporting community efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change including sea level rise and coastal flooding.
• Addressing plastic pollution through research, education, and marine debris removal.