Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

It gives NOAA more flexibility to support marine debris projects and strengthens the Marine Debris Foundation’s governance and outreach.

What the law does ​

• Allows NOAA to use grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, other agreements, and certain in-kind contributions for marine debris projects.
• Clarifies the Marine Debris Foundation board’s terms, appointment oversight, leadership powers, and office location.
• Requires Foundation outreach to Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments on technical assistance, capacity building, programs, and grants.
• Provides $2 million for the Foundation for fiscal year 2025 and extends federal marine debris funding authority through fiscal year 2029.

Who it affects ​

• NOAA and the Marine Debris Foundation.
• Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments seeking marine debris assistance and funding.
• Coastal communities and organizations carrying out marine debris projects.

Breakdown ​

Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act ​

This law updates NOAA’s Marine Debris Program and the Marine Debris Foundation by expanding administrative options, clarifying leadership and governance, and strengthening outreach to Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments. It also extends funding authority for federal marine debris activities, provides additional funding for the Foundation, and reorganizes related provisions under the Marine Debris Act.

Key takeaways

• NOAA may use grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements for marine debris projects and may provide in-kind contributions for certain projects based on NOAA’s benefit from them.
• Marine Debris Foundation directors serve six-year terms, and specified appointments, vacancy decisions, and removals require approval from the Secretary of Commerce.
• The Foundation’s board appoints, evaluates, and may remove its chief executive officer, who manages the Foundation’s other officers and employees.
• The Foundation must establish its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
• The Foundation must develop outreach practices for Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments that support technical assistance, capacity building, and awareness of available programs and grants without replacing required government-to-government consultation or changing Tribal rights.
• The law authorizes $2 million for the Foundation for fiscal year 2025 and extends authorization for federal marine debris activities through fiscal year 2029.