Bill

Bill > HR4394


US HR4394

US HR4394
OCEAN Research Partnerships Act Opportunities in Cooperative Education And New Research Partnerships Act


summary

Introduced
01/25/2016
In Committee
01/29/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017

Introduced Session

114th Congress

Bill Summary

OCEAN Research Partnerships Act Opportunities in Cooperative Education And New Research Partnerships Act This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to revise and reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. In placing marine policy fellows in the legislative branch, NOAA must give priority to positions in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. The bill authorizes through FY2021 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2021 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.

AI Summary

This bill, also known as the OCEAN Research Partnerships Act, amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize and update the program through fiscal year 2021. A key change is that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must now award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships, which place graduate students in roles related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources within the executive and legislative branches, with priority given to legislative positions on committees overseeing NOAA or held by members with a demonstrated interest in these resources. The bill also authorizes grants for university research on critical issues such as invasive aquatic species, oyster health and restoration, harmful algal blooms, and sustainable aquaculture, as well as for fishery extension activities and other priority areas identified by the National Sea Grant Program.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans. (on 01/29/2016)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...