Defend NOAA From Attacks
Ensure federal support and funding for the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) so the agency can continue to provide strong management of our ocean and coasts.
Surfrider Foundation is urging federal leaders to support critical funding, programs, and staff for the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lead federal agency responsible for managing our nation's ocean and coasts, as well as monitoring weather and climate. The agency depends on annual funding from congress to implement its ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes management programs. However, the Trump administration is taking steps to reduce NOAA staff and budget in the coming year.
Top Surfrider priorities for sufficient NOAA funding in FY 2025 and FY 2026 include: National Marine Sanctuaries, Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Resilience programs. Surfrider is also urging Congress to maintain critical funding for IOOS, Coral Reef and Sea Grant programs. Finally, we are urging Congress to reject any harmful policy riders that threaten environmental protections including any mandates for new offshore drilling.
Ocean, coastal and Great Lakes management, science and stewardship is critical to our nation's communities, economy and way of life. Below is a summary of just some of NOAA's functions and benefits:
- Protecting marine ecosystems through National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine Monuments.
- Managing our nation's coasts in partnership with states, tribes, and communities to protect these vital resources for public use and enjoyment.
- Supporting community efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change including sea level rise and coastal flooding.
- Researching the effects of climate change so we can better understand the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet.
- Protecting endangered and threatened marine species including whales and sea turtles.
- Addressing plastic pollution through research, education, and marine debris removal.
- Ensuring sustainable fisheries that support jobs and help keep our seafood safe.
- Providing weather forecasts and related data that serve the needs of millions of people every day.
- Collaborating with partners to conduct research that improves our understanding of the marine environment.
Take Action to Protect our Coasts!
Please contact your Congressional Representatives in Washington D.C. and ask them to support critical funding for NOAA in FY 2025 and FY 2026