The Oyster Reef Recovery Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a new federal program focused on restoring and protecting oyster reefs across the United States. The program will provide grants and technical assistance to eligible groups including government agencies, nonprofits, universities, tribal governments, shellfish businesses, and private entities to conduct restoration projects, monitor reef health, improve water quality, and train workers in coastal restoration techniques with special attention to underserved communities. The legislation specifically requires applicants to demonstrate their projects won't interfere with commercial or recreational fishing and other water uses. The bill authorizes $15 million annually for five years from 2025 through 2029 to fund these restoration and conservation efforts. The bill preserves state and tribal authority to manage oyster reefs within their jurisdictions.
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