This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce to establish a new Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program to protect and restore oyster reefs across the country. The program will provide technical and financial assistance to a wide range of organizations—including government agencies, nonprofits, universities, private companies, and individuals—to identify restoration priorities, assess reef health, conduct restoration projects, monitor results, train coastal workforce participants, and share best practices for oyster reef conservation. The bill authorizes $15 million per year in funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these activities. The legislation protects state and tribal authority over oyster management and requires grant applicants to demonstrate their projects won't interfere with commercial or recreational fishing and other water-related uses.
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