Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-65.
Official Summary
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act 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.) 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. 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. 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. Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act reauthorizes and modifies the Marine Debris Program (MDP) managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through fiscal year 2029. It updates NOAA's authority to provide in-kind contributions and enter into various agreements for marine debris projects. The bill also reauthorizes and restructures the Marine Debris Foundation through fiscal year 2025, including changes to leadership roles and governance, outreach requirements to Indian tribes and tribal governments, and the foundation's principal office location. Additionally, it authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments. The program and foundation focus on addressing marine debris and its impacts on the U.S. economy, marine environment, and navigation safety.
This law extends and updates federal efforts to manage marine debris through NOAA and the Marine Debris Foundation, enhancing governance and outreach while authorizing new funding mechanisms.
- Reauthorizes NOAA's Marine Debris Program through FY2029 with expanded authority for in-kind contributions and agreement types.
- Modifies the Marine Debris Foundation's leadership structure by designating a CEO and granting the board appointment and removal powers.
- Requires the foundation to develop outreach best practices for Indian tribes and tribal governments and locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
- Authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
- Supports efforts to assess, prevent, and mitigate marine debris impacts on the economy, environment, and navigation safety.
['National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)', 'Marine Debris Foundation', 'Regional organizations involved in marine debris projects', 'Indian tribes and tribal governments', 'Coastal communities', 'Marine environment and navigation safety stakeholders']
['Implementation complexity related to expanded agreement types and in-kind contribution valuations by NOAA.', "Oversight challenges due to expanded authority for the Marine Debris Foundation's leadership and funding mechanisms.", "Potential administrative costs associated with outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments and maintaining the foundation's principal office location.", 'Unspecified funding levels and mechanisms for matching contributions from diverse entities.']
The bill was introduced and passed in the 119th Congress and became Public Law No: 119-65 on December 26, 2025. It continues and updates federal marine debris management efforts under NOAA and the Marine Debris Foundation, reflecting ongoing legislative attention to environmental protection, marine conservation, and collaboration with tribal governments and regional entities.
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['Improved collaboration with Indian tribes and tribal governments may enhance culturally appropriate marine debris management strategies.', 'Expanded agreement authority could lead to more flexible project partnerships and funding arrangements.', "Locating the foundation's principal office in a coastal or National Capital Region community may increase local engagement and visibility.", 'Matching contributions from diverse entities could incentivize broader financial support for marine debris initiatives.']
The bill expands NOAA's authority to use various agreement types and in-kind contributions, which may require clear guidelines and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. Changes to the Marine Debris Foundation's leadership and governance structure introduce new oversight responsibilities for the board. The directive to enhance outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments highlights the importance of inclusive engagement but may require monitoring to assess effectiveness. Funding mechanisms for matching contributions are authorized but not detailed, necessitating attention to financial transparency.
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