Bipartisan Senate bill proposes ocean acidification research and funding

A new federal proposal would provide extensive funding for ocean acidification research to support the seafood industry and ocean ecosystems across the country. The bipartisan bill, S. 2699, was introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and has received support from an array of conservation and industry groups. This legislation incorporates proposals already underway in the US House of Representatives.

Ocean acidification threatens shellfish and other organisms as a result of carbon dioxide making the water more acidic. Eight states have enacted legislation to monitor and mitigate ocean acidification. This bill would create a federal Advisory Board and provide $35.5 million annually for research by NOAA, including a portion reserved for research in partnership with the seafood industry. Additional funding would go to the National Science Foundation and National Academy of Sciences for research programs.