This bill reauthorizes and updates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office, affirming it as NOAA's primary representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It restructures the office's leadership requirements, mandating that the Director have relevant knowledge and experience in Chesapeake Bay research or resource management, and expands the office's coordination duties to cover new areas including coastal hazards, climate change, and education. The legislation authorizes several key programs, including an integrated coastal observations system, a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program with grant funding for schools and educators, and a Coastal and Living Resources Management and Habitat Program focused on species like oysters, blue crabs, and striped bass. The bill also requires the office to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing progress on bay restoration efforts and future action plans. This legislation primarily affects federal agencies, state and local governments, schools, scientific institutions, and communities within the Chesapeake Bay watershed region, though it does not specify new appropriation amounts in this text.
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