The White House Council on Environmental Quality today announced the release of the U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy. With a vision focused on equitable access to the benefits of a healthy and resilient ocean and sustainable ocean economy, meaningful engagement of all communities in federal ocean activities, recognition of the value of engagement with tribal nations, indigenous peoples, and [...]
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EPA Announces Availability of Funding for Gulf of Mexico Projects
The Environmental Protection Agency today announced the availability of $30 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Gulf of Mexico watershed projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects, which must be located in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas include projects that support water quality improvement; habitat protection, enhancement, and restoration; environmental education; and community resilience. Applications are due [...]
Comments Sought on Western AK Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program
The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking comments by Monday, Mar. 4 on its request for input from the public on the establishment of vessel response plan planning criteria for the Western Alaska and Prince William Sound Captain of the Port zones. The planning criteria are required under the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of [...]
POTUS Nominates Senior State Dept. Ocean Official
President Biden today nominated Kris Sarri to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Formerly President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Sarri has also previously held positions at the U.S. Department of the Interior, White House Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. [...]
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to Hold Public Meeting
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force will hold a public meeting on Jan. 24-25 in Reston, VA. The meeting agenda includes reports from Task Force members, reports and recommendations from regional panels and subcommittees, discussion on priority outputs to advance the goals identified in the ANS Task Force Strategic Plan for [...]
NMFS Seeks Comments on Revised Indo-Pacific Coral Critical Habitat Designation
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that it is seeking comments by Wednesday, Feb. 28 on its proposed designation of 16 island units comprising 97 square miles of critical habitat for five Indo-Pacific coral species. In doing so, NMFS announced its withdrawal of a 2020 proposal to designate 17 island units of critical habitat for seven Indo-Pacific [...]
NOAA Announces $144M in Coastal Resilience Grants
NOAA today announced the award of $144 million in coastal resilience grants for 109 projects in 31 coastal states and U.S. territories. Announced in conjunction with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the grants were awarded through the National Coastal Resilience Fund, which features a partnership involving NOAA, Shell USA, TransRe, Salesforce, Oxy, and the Department of Defense. NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad said [...]
Ocean Research Advisory Panel to Hold Public Meeting
NOAA today announced that the Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) will hold a public meeting on Dec. 13-14. Meeting outcome goals include a shared understanding between ORAP and the Ocean Policy Committee (OPC) on interests, capacities, opportunities, and expectations regarding ORAP efforts, as well as identification of initial topics for ORAP work and associated ORAP structures and processes to accomplish the [...]
Nominations Sought for National Nature Assessment Authors and Inputs
The U.S. Interior Department today announced that it is seeking nominations by Thursday, Jan. 4 for authors and scientific/technical inputs for the inaugural National Nature Assessment, which will assess the status, observed trends, and future projections of America’s lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems and the benefits they provide, including connections to the economy, public health, equity, climate [...]
Commerce Dept. Announces Withdrawal of Seafood Import Monitoring Rule
The U.S. Commerce Department today announced the decision of the National Marine Fisheries Service to withdraw its proposed Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) rule that would have added species to SIMP and amended SIMP regulations to clarify responsibilities and definitions and make other administrative revisions. DOC attributed the withdrawal decision to “extensive public comments,” saying that NMFS “has [...]
