This bill creates two new fellowship programs to train and support people interested in coastal and marine science, management, policy, and law. The Coastal Management Fellowship and Digital Coast Fellowship will provide on-the-job training and encourage public service in these fields.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill creates two new fellowship programs to train and support people interested in coastal and marine science, management, policy, and law. The Coastal Management Fellowship and Digital Coast Fellowship will provide on-the-job training and encourage public service in these fields.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Coastal Fellowships Act</b></p> <p>This bill establishes the Coastal Management Fellowship and the Digital Coast Fellowship programs to be administered by the Department of Commerce. The fellowships aim to provide on-the-job training and to encourage public service that supports U.S. coastal resource management. In addition, the Digital Coast Fellowship will support the Digital Coast program, which is a platform that integrates geospatial data, training, and other tools in order to address coastal management issues.</p> <p>The bill specifies that selected fellows must have completed a related graduate-level degree before the fellowship begins and have a demonstrated interest in a career in coastal or marine science, management, policy, or law. Commerce must award the fellowships in a manner that is geographically balanced. Each fellow may be selected for a term of up to two years, must receive an annual stipend of at least $47,000, and may be directly hired by a federal agency upon successful completion of a fellowship. <br> </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes the Coastal Management Fellowship and Digital Coast Fellowship programs to be run by the Department of Commerce
Provides two-year fellowships with a minimum annual stipend of $47,000
Fellowships are open to graduate-level degree holders with demonstrated interest in coastal and marine fields
Aims to encourage public service and support U.S. coastal resource management
Digital Coast Fellowship supports the Digital Coast program, which provides geospatial data and tools for coastal issues
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would create new opportunities for graduate students and early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in coastal and marine science, management, policy, and law. This could help develop a pipeline of skilled workers to support the stewardship and sustainable use of U.S. coastal resources.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5205, 119th Congress (2025). "Aircraft Noise Reduction Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5205
