Legislation
Ocean Champions is currently working with members of Congress to move legislation forward that will improve the health of our oceans. Click on an issue or scroll down for more information.
Toxic Tides (Harmful Algal Blooms)
Introduced in the Senate by Senators Olympia Snowe and Bill Nelson, and in the House by Congressman Brian Baird.
The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 was introduced in the Senate by two of our Ocean Champions in Congress, Senators Olympia Snowe (R, ME) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) on May 1st, 2009. It was introduced by Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) in the House on September 25th, 2009. The HABs bill will develop and promote a national strategy to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through baseline research, forecasting and monitoring, and mitigation and control. The intent is to provide communities along our coasts and around the Great Lakes with the tools necessary to detect, control, and mitigate harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
In the Senate, the bill has passed the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and is being readied for floor action. In the House, the bill passed the Committee on Science and Technology on October 7th. Our focus now moves to Leadership and to securing the Floor time needed to pass the bill out of Congress.
Toxic Tides (HABs) can kill fish, marine mammals, and birds. They can contaminate shellfish with toxins, and harm human health, sometimes resulting in fatalities. They are proven to have a negative impact on coastal lifestyles including tourism. In fact, it has been estimated that toxic algal blooms, like “red tide” cost coastal communities nearly $100 million every year. These problems are getting worse, as the incidence, duration, and severity of HAB events are on the rise.
To help us pass this bill, please contact your Representative today and ask them to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 3650.
Click here for Ocean Champions HAB overview.
Click here for the Summary of and link to the House bill (H.R.3650).
Click here for the Executive Summary of the Senate bill (S.952).
Recent HAB Outbreaks
Photo courtesy of US National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms
For more information about Red Tides and other Harmful Algal Blooms check out these great resources:
- Ocean Champions HABs Overview
- Sen. Snowe/Rep. Nelson Executive Summary of HABs bill (S.952)
- List of 2009-2010 HAB outbreaks as reported
- The Woods Hole Oceanographic Insitute's Harmful Algae Pages
- NOAA's National Ocean Service Harmful Algal Blooms Pages
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's Harmful Algal Blooms Pages
- Surfrider Foundation's Coastal A to Z
OCEANS-21 (HR21)
Introduced by Rep. Sam Farr
OCEANS-21 (HR 21: Ocean Conservation, Education, & National Strategy for the 21st Century Act) was introduced by one of our Ocean Champions in Congress, Rep. Sam Farr (D-Ca, 17th) and the bill would be the first comprehensive national oceans policy if passed.
The purpose of OCEANS-21 is to implement the highest priority recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission by enacting legislation that seeks to protect, maintain, and restore the health and sustainability of our coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What the Bill Will Do:
- Establish a comprehensive National Oceans Policy and guiding principles for use and management of U.S. coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes and their resources;
- Formally codify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), strengthening its important mission and functions;
- Enhance national oceans governance structure, including codifying the Committee on Ocean Policy;
- Promote ecosystem-based, regional oceans governance, including collaborations among federal, state, and local management entities;
- Enhance responsible ocean stewardship through education, information collection, and citizen involvement; and
- Establish an Oceans and Great Lakes Conservation Trust Fund to support the purposes and policies of this Act.
Take action and help us pass OCEANS-21!
Click here to learn more about OCEANS-21 (HR21)