NOAA Funding Saved for 2020

In early 2019, the Trump administration released a federal budget proposal that included major cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lead federal agency responsible for managing our nation’s ocean and coasts, as well monitoring weather and climate. Specific programs that were targeted for elimination included coastal zone management, coastal resilience, national estuarine reserves, and Sea Grant. 

Surfrider responded by launching a national campaign to defend NOAA from these drastic budget cuts. We urged our grassroots network to contact their federal representatives in support of NOAA funding. We generated media coverage across the U.S. on what these budget cuts would mean for our nation's ocean and coastal resources. Finally, during Coastal Recreation Hill Day in Washington D.C., Surfrider members participated in 125 visits with congressional offices in support of NOAA funding. 

Congress responded by passing a spending bill for 2020 that rejects the Trump administration's proposed cuts to NOAA. In fact, the final FY 2020 budget includes slight increases for the National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. Thanks to everyone who spoke out in support of ocean and coastal management!

Unfortunately, we expect the President’s Budget for FY 2021 will again propose many of these damaging funding cuts to NOAA, so we are once again fighting to save critical ocean and coastal management programs.