Surfrider is urging Congress to provide sufficient funding for NOAA in the FY 2025 budget bill to protect our nation's ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes.
Summer is just around the corner, which means our nation's ocean recreation and tourism economy will soon be cranking at full capacity. From the seaside towns of Maine, to the waters of Lake Michigan, to the coral sand beaches of Hawaii, millions of people will visit the coast this year to enjoy sunshine, seabreezes and a bounty of recreational activities. In the process, they'll contribute roughly $130 billion to the U.S. economy through trip-related spending. Our nation's ocean, coasts and Great Lakes also provide numerous ecological benefits, as the setting for a rich diversity of habitats and wildlife populations.
Unfortunately, our federal leaders are failing to invest in ocean and coastal management to protect these special places. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lead federal agency responsible for the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes, carries out critical programs to conserve marine habitat, protect wildlife, and steward coastal resources. Yes, many NOAA programs continue to suffer from chronic underfunding. The Final FY 2024 Budget passed by Congress, as well as the FY 2025 President’s Budget, both fall short in providing sufficient funding for the agency. Such budget shortfalls threaten the coastal places we love, making them more vulnerable to pollution, development and climate change.
Sufficient funding for NOAA will help ensure sound management of National Marine Sanctuaries, including Stellwagen Bank off Massachusetts.
As Congress begins its work on the FY 2025 budget bill, Surfrider and our partners are urging members of the House and Senate to increase funding for NOAA in the coming year. Top Surfrider priorities for NOAA budget increases include: National Marine Sanctuaries, Coastal Zone Management, Coastal Resilience and Regional Ocean Partnerships programs. Surfrider is also urging Congress to maintain critical funding for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), Coral Reef and Sea Grant programs for 2025. Finally, we are urging Congress to reject any harmful policy riders that threaten environmental protections.
This is a time when our ocean and coasts need more support than ever, not less! Investing in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes management will help ensure lasting stewardship of these resources, while providing major benefits to communities, tribes, businesses and the public. Please make your voice heard by contacting your representatives and urge them to support increased funding for NOAA in the FY 2025 budget. Your favorite beach and surf spot will be glad that you did!