Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act
The Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act would add a new grant program to the existing Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009. It directs the Secretary of the federal agency responsible for OA research to fund collaborative research projects that pair the seafood industry with the academic community to study ocean acidification. Proposals must emphasize partnerships, practical benefits to both industry and science, and broad dissemination of results. The bill also sets implementation timelines, evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and a funding mechanism that generally requires a non-federal share (matching funds) of up to 15%, with an overall federal funding cap of 85% of project costs. It authorizes $5 million annually for 2026–2030 to support these grants. In short, the bill creates a targeted, industry‑academic collaboration program to advance ocean acidification research in ways that are directly relevant to the seafood sector and coastal communities, while foregrounding stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and practical outcomes.
Key Points
- 1Establishes Ocean Acidification Collaborative Research Grants that fund partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community to study ocean acidification.
- 2Sets criteria for grant approval to ensure projects build genuine partnerships, include the seafood industry in research, deliver benefits to both sectors, and reflect a balanced contribution from industry and academia.
- 3Prioritizes funding for projects addressing vulnerable ecosystems/communities, securing local stakeholder support, and leveraging seafood industry assets as research and monitoring platforms.
- 4Requires implementation guidelines within 180 days of enactment, developed with broad consultation of states, tribes, educators, NGOs, and other stakeholders, guiding grant criteria and priorities.
- 5Includes funding and accountability provisions: up to 85% federal share (15% non-federal match, potentially in-kind) with a possible waiver; annual authorization of $5 million for 2026–2030; mandates reporting and alignment with existing program elements.