This bill reauthorizes the NOAA Marine Debris Program through FY2029 and the Marine Debris Foundation for FY2025. It modifies program administration to allow in-kind contributions and expands agreement types for projects. The foundation receives organizational updates including CEO designation and expanded authority to match contributions from tribes and foreign governments. New tribal outreach requirements are established.
Latest Action
Presented to President.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill reauthorizes the NOAA Marine Debris Program through FY2029 and the Marine Debris Foundation for FY2025. It modifies program administration to allow in-kind contributions and expands agreement types for projects. The foundation receives organizational updates including CEO designation and expanded authority to match contributions from tribes and foreign governments. New tribal outreach requirements are established.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act</strong></p><p>This bill reauthorizes and modifies administration of Marine Debris Program (MDP) activities and the Marine Debris Foundation. (The program and the foundation support efforts to assess, prevent, and otherwise address marine debris and its adverse impacts on the U.S. economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety.)</p><p>First, the bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Marine Debris Program through FY2029. The bill authorizes NOAA to provide contributions for MDP project costs on an in-kind basis in an amount that NOAA determines represents the value it derives from the project. The bill also authorizes NOAA to enter into agreements other than cooperative agreements, contracts, and grant agreements for projects.</p><p>Next, the bill modifies requirements for the Marine Debris Foundation and reauthorizes it for FY2025. Among other changes, the bill designates the current Chief Operating Officer (i.e., the first officer or employee appointed by the board) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and specifies that the board has the authority to appoint, review the performance of, and remove the CEO. The bill authorizes the CEO to appoint, supervise, and remove foundation employees and officers.</p><p>Further, the bill directs the foundation to develop and implement best practices for conducting outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments. The foundation must locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.</p><p>Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Reauthorizes Marine Debris Program through FY2029
Reauthorizes Marine Debris Foundation for FY2025
Allows in-kind contributions for project costs
Designates Chief Executive Officer for foundation
Requires tribal outreach best practices development
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Marine debris, including plastic pollution, poses significant threats to ocean ecosystems, navigation safety, and coastal economies. This reauthorization ensures continued federal support for debris assessment, prevention, and cleanup. The tribal engagement provisions recognize the importance of coastal tribal communities in marine stewardship. The administrative updates improve foundation operations.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Related Subjects
Aquatic ecology
Charitable contributions
Department of Commerce
Indian social and development programs
International organizations and cooperation
Marine pollution
Public contracts and procurement
Public-private cooperation
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Water quality
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
216, 119th Congress (2025). "Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-216
