This bill establishes Ocean Innovation Clusters—regional partnerships of businesses, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies—to strengthen coastal economies and create jobs in ocean-related industries. The Secretary of Commerce must designate at least seven clusters within one year, with at least one in each of five national marine regions, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico, prioritizing areas with diverse populations and potential for economic growth. Each cluster will focus on workforce development, research and innovation, seafood supply chain sustainability, renewable ocean energy, and creating business opportunities for small companies and underrepresented groups. The bill authorizes $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund cluster operations through competitive grants, with individual grants capped at $10 million over a two-year term and renewable thereafter. Federal agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Economic Development Administration will coordinate support, and each region will develop at least one physical "Ocean Innovation Center" serving as a collaborative hub with shared workspaces, labs, and training programs.
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