Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025
The Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025 would require the Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA, to establish the Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program. The program would provide technical and financial support to a broad set of parties (government, nonprofits, higher education, shellfish industry, private entities) to identify restoration priorities, monitor reef health and water quality, and carry out voluntary planning, construction, monitoring, and enhancement of oyster reefs. It emphasizes adaptive management (adjusting actions based on new science), collaboration, information sharing, workforce training (with a focus on coastal resilience and underserved communities), and the development of monitoring protocols to gauge success. A competitive grant program would fund research, planning, construction, assessments, capacity building, and related activities, with eligibility requirements ensuring projects do not unreasonably interfere with fishing or other water uses. The bill authorizes $15 million annually for FY 2026–2030 and preserves states’ and tribes’ authority to manage oyster reefs. Overall, the measure aims to expand restoration efforts, improve water quality and coastal resilience, and support the shellfish industry and related communities.
Key Points
- 1Establishes the Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program within NOAA to conserve and restore oyster reefs.
- 2Provides technical and financial assistance to a broad range of covered entities to prioritize restoration, monitor health and threats, conduct restoration projects, and share best practices.
- 3Creates a competitive grant program for research, planning, construction, monitoring, capacity building, and workforce training related to oyster reef conservation and management; eligibility includes protections to avoid interfering with fishing or other water uses.
- 4Emphasizes adaptive management, partnerships, monitoring protocols, and information sharing to ensure project success and resilience.
- 5Authorizes $15,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to fund the Program; includes a rule that does not preempt state or Indian Tribe authority over oyster reefs.