Congress Increases NOAA's Budget for 2023

Thanks to the efforts of Surfrider supporters and our partners, federal leaders voted to increase funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2023, the lead federal agency responsible for managing our nation’s ocean and coasts, as well monitoring weather and climate. Specific programs that will benefit include coastal zone management, coastal resilience, national estuarine reserves, and Sea Grant.

Surfrider engaged our supporters in a national campaign to support increased funding for NOAA programs that protect our coasts and ocean. We urged our grassroots network to contact their federal representatives. We raised awareness across the U.S. of how these programs benefit our nation's coasts and the communities the depend on them. And, during Coastal Recreation Hill Day, Surfrider chapter leaders and staff met virtually with 148 congressional offices in support of NOAA funding and other priorities.

Congress responded by passing a spending bill for 2023 that will help support our nation’s coasts and ocean and protect these vital resources from climate change, pollution, harmful development and other threats. The final budget for fiscal year 2023 includes critical support for the National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

Here are some of the NOAA programs that will benefit from the 2023 federal budget.

• Coastal Zone Managment (CZM) grants are funded at $81.5 million, $2.5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level
• The National Marine Sanctuaries program is funded at $68 million, an increase of $7 million
• The Sea Grant program is funded at $80 million, $4 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level
• The National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRS) program is funded at $32.5 million, an increase of $2.8 million; 

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.