Ocean and Coastal Resources Act

Summary

Ocean and Coastal Resources Act - Title I: Marine Sciences and Technology Policy - Establishes, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology to develop and implement a program for marine resources and to develop and promote cooperative research and development projects. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Office to prepare a six year national plan for research and development in marine science and technology and for the demonstration and practical implementation of marine science and technology developments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit such plan to the Congress and the President. Provides that the Office shall operate and maintain a service to be known as the National Ocean and Coastal Advisory Service. States that the service shall impart useful information, knowledge, and technique to organizations and individuals employed or otherwise interested in the assessment, development, and/or conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Provides that the service shall be headed by a Director. Sets forth the responsibility of the Director which includes coordination of all advisory service programs relating to ocean and coastal resources, and formulation of a comprehensive plan for the production and delivery of advisory services regarding ocean and coastal resources. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Specifies that such report shall provide an evaluation of the status and prospects for marine science and technology. Gives the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere the opportunity to review each such report. Establishes a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration distinguished research award for outstanding achievements and contributions in problem-oriented research related to ocean and coastal resources which meets international, national, and/or regional needs. Title II: National Sea Grant Program Amendments - National Sea Grant Act - Provides that there shall be maintained within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program of research, education, training, and advisory services to be known as the national sea grant program. Directs that the program shall be administered by the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology. States that the program shall be designed and administered to further research, education, training, and advisory services in ocean and coastal resource development, assessment, and conservation, including relevant research, education, and training in marine science. Requires the program to include the making of grants and contracts in accordance with specifically identified national needs and problems. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the purpose of making such grants and contracts. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the national sea grant program who shall establish long-range planning guidelines for the administration of the program, advise the Associate Administrator of existing expertise and capabilities within the program, and provide support for sea grant fellowships through institutions of higher education for educational and training assistance to persons in fields related to marine and coastal resource understanding. Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through the national sea grant program, sea grant colleges, and sea grant regional consortia. Provides that such institutions shall initiate, conduct, and support programs of research, education, training, and advisory services in disciplines and fields that are relevant to the development, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Establishes a sea grant review panel which shall supercede the sea grant advisory panel. Provides that the panel shall function as an advisory body to the Director of the national sea grant program. Authorizes the appropriation of $8,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $35,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979 to carry out the provisions of this Act.

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2 official files

• Indefinitely postponed in Senate

  summary · EN · 14 June 1976

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 17 March 1976

  Open at official source

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