The Trump administration is waging attacks on NOAA, the lead federal agency for managing our coasts and ocean and monitoring weather and climate.
If you’re reading this, chances are you care deeply about protecting our coasts and ocean. Surfrider supporters are known not just for our dedicated advocacy, but for our passionate enjoyment of the places that we work to protect. Our grassroots network is part of a larger community of over a hundred million people who recreate at the beach and ocean every year. These visits, along with the estimated $240 billion they contribute annually to the U.S. economy, depend on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lead federal agency for managing our coasts, ocean, and Great Lakes.
Unfortunately, our federal leaders seemed to have missed the message. The Trump administration has begun targeting the critical work of NOAA, including the agency’s staffing, programs, and budget. On February 4, Elon Musk and DOGE staffers made an unannounced visit to NOAA headquarters, signaling a looming threat to the agency. On February 27, the Trump administration fired 800 NOAA employees, serving a massive blow to an agency that's been understaffed for years, while the climate crisis accelerates and extreme weather becomes more frequent. The Trump administration is now preparing its budget proposal for FY 2026, which is expected to include steep cuts to NOAA programs and other natural resource agencies.
As reported by the New York Times, NOAA funding to monitor and adapt to climate change is particularly vulnerable. This includes programs like coastal zone management, which provides grants for communities to plan for sea level rise and extreme weather events. Such federal investments are critical for protecting our nation's beaches and shorelines, as well as for mitigating coastal flooding and other harm from natural disasters. By applying the latest science with nature-based solutions, NOAA empowers communities to protect coastal resources and public uses such as beach going and surfing.
Here is a summary of NOAA benefits that are under threat:
- Conserving our nation's coasts in partnership with states, communities, and Tribes to protect these vital resources for public use and enjoyment.
- Providing critical weather updates and forecasts about life-threatening storms and weather events that keep communities safe.
- Protecting marine ecosystems through National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine Monuments.
- Protecting endangered and threatened marine species, including whales and sea turtles.
- Reducing plastic pollution through research, education, and marine debris removal.
- Supporting community efforts to adapt to 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.
Fortunately, any proposals to cut NOAA’s budget or weaken the laws it implements will still need to be approved by Congress. Although partisanship reigns in Washington D.C., past experience has shown that members of both political parties understand the need for effective coastal and ocean management to protect our nation’s environment, economy, and communities. Such bipartisan support for NOAA will be essential in the coming year to ward off anticipated attacks.
Tap Here to Take Action to Protect Ocean and Coastal Management
All of us who enjoy and benefit from our nation’s ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes can play an important role in defending NOAA! Please contact your congressional representatives and urge them to protect NOAA and its programs that are critical to our coastal economies and communities.