H.R. 2991: Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act

This bill, titled the Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act, aims to enhance research on ocean acidification through collaborative efforts between the seafood industry and the academic community. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Grants for Collaborative Research

The bill establishes a program for granting funds to projects that focus on ocean acidification. These projects must be collaborations between the seafood industry and academic researchers. The goal is to encourage sharing of knowledge and resources to better understand and address the impacts of ocean acidification.

Definitions

• Academic Community: Includes faculty, researchers, and resource managers from higher education institutions.
• Seafood Industry: Encompasses shellfish growers, fishermen, and other stakeholders involved in seafood harvesting and supply.

Project Requirements

To receive funding, projects must:

• Align with the strategic research plan established under existing regulations.
• Develop partnerships and improve communication between the seafood industry and the academic community.
• Incorporate the unique expertise of both sectors to address relevant research questions.
• Promote wider awareness regarding ocean acidification among all stakeholders.

Funding Priorities

The Secretary will prioritize projects that:

• Focus on ecosystems vulnerable to ocean acidification impacts.
• Show support from local stakeholders, such as community organizations or government representatives.
• Utilize assets of the seafood industry for research and monitoring.

Guidelines and Proposals

Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary, alongside other stakeholders, will issue guidelines detailing how to apply for the grants. Proposals for funding must include:

• Qualifications of project participants.
• A plan for full engagement between industry and academic participants.
• A strategy for disseminating research results to stakeholders.
• Consistency with overall program elements.

Matching Requirements

In general, the federal contribution to any research project cannot exceed 85% of the total project cost. However, this matching requirement can be waived if it poses challenges for applicants and the project's benefits are deemed substantial.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5 million annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030 to support these initiatives.

Project Reporting

Grantees must submit regular reports to the Secretary to evaluate progress and the success of their projects.

Alternative Participants

If a marine-dependent industry collaborates on the project instead of the seafood industry, the Secretary may still provide funding, provided the project meets the objectives outlined in the bill.

Relevant Companies

• SEAF: As a company involved in the seafood industry, it may benefit from research that aims to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish production.
• CPB: A food products company that may be affected by the supply chain changes due to ocean acidification, particularly concerning seafood sourcing.