Fund FY26 National Coastal and Ocean Programs

Victory! On January 23, 2026, President Trump signed the FY26 appropriations minibus bill for the Departments of Interior and Commerce today, effectively funding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget for 2026. This includes critical funding for federal programs that bolster the resilience and protection of vital resources in our coastal and Great Lakes states. 

Year after year, the Surfrider Foundation has tirelessly advocated and activated for increased funding for NOAA programs that benefit our coastlines, including:

• Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Resilience

• National Marine Sanctuaries
• Sea Grant
• IOOS
• Coral Reefs
• NERRS

The fight for FY26 funding was no different. Our national network activated to advocate for robust NOAA funding during Coastal Recreation Hill Day, sent messages of support to key committees and members during the appropriations process, and spoke out against harmful riders that would weaken bedrock coastal protection law in earlier budget proposals. 

Despite threats in early 2025 that many programs would be defunded or drastically cut, program funding is by and large level with FY25 budget numbers with the previous administration. FY26 funding for NOAA is a testament to the importance of our coasts and ocean to legislators on both sides of the aisle, and the resolve of advocates everywhere to ensure that these programs are funded and staffed for the future of America's coastline.