SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Maria Cantwell, along with U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Maria Elvira Salazar, introduced the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation (Ocean ROI) Act to boost the blue economy and strengthen coastal communities nationwide. The bipartisan and bicameral proposal aims to establish "Ocean Innovation Clusters" by directing the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants for their establishment, operation, and administration.

Under the Ocean ROI Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), would be responsible for establishing at least one ocean innovation cluster within each of NOAA's Fisheries regions, the Gulf of America, and the Great Lakes. The legislation also authorizes $10 million in competitive grants for cluster operation and administration to promote ocean innovation at a federal level.

"A strong blue economy will require strong coordination and creativity, and that’s why I’m leading this effort to invest in our ocean clusters and take advantage of the opportunities for innovation and collaboration," stated Senator Murkowski. Murkowski emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change impacts on coastal communities.

Senator Cantwell highlighted Washington's maritime initiatives, noting, "From protecting orcas from vessel noise, to transitioning to a carbon-free future for our ports and maritime industry, Washington’s ocean cluster, called Maritime Blue, is working hard to solve complex challenges facing our economy."

In a statement, Representative Pingree expressed concern over federal climate research, saying: "As the Trump Administration doubles down on its attacks against climate research and ocean science, it’s more important than ever that Congress step up." She stressed the necessity of the Ocean ROI Act as a bipartisan effort to bolster ocean-based industries and coastal resilience.

Representative Salazar expressed her commitment to Florida's coasts, adding, "Miami’s beautiful coasts and pristine waters provide Florida with billions in tourism and commerce every year, and I am committed to preserving them for generations to come."

Overall, the Ocean ROI Act is designed to spur economic growth and innovation in ocean-related sectors, while facilitating sustainable development in coastal areas across the United States.