Bill > HR360

This bill establishes the Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program, to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with the goal of protecting and restoring oyster reef ecosystems. The program will provide technical and financial assistance to a wide range of entities, including government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and private individuals, to conduct activities such as identifying priority restoration sites, evaluating oyster reef health and threats, implementing conservation and restoration projects, developing monitoring protocols, and building partnerships. A competitive grant program will be created to support research, planning, construction, assessment, capacity building, monitoring, and workforce training related to oyster reef conservation, with a focus on ensuring the projects do not interfere with fishing or other water-related activities. The bill specifically aims to enhance coastal resilience, support underserved communities, and promote science-based management of oyster reef ecosystems. Congress would authorize $15 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund the program, and the bill explicitly states that it does not limit the authority of states or tribal governments to manage oyster reefs and oyster species.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/360/all-info