The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act strengthens federal ocean acidification research and monitoring by requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to better collaborate with state, local, and tribal governments as well as Native Hawaiian organizations. The bill adds two representatives from Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to the federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Advisory Board and establishes ongoing mechanisms for NOAA to gather input from coastal communities, fishery councils, Indigenous knowledge groups, and non-government scientists. The legislation also directs NOAA to actively partner with state and local governments and Indian Tribes on vulnerability assessments, research planning, and climate action plans related to ocean acidification, with priority given to underserved populations. No specific funding amounts or timelines are mandated in the bill beyond requiring the Advisory Board to develop a tribal engagement policy within one year of establishment. This legislation affects coastal fishing communities, tribal nations, states with ocean interests, and NOAA's research operations.
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