S. 1392: Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025, aims to establish "Ocean Innovation Clusters" with the goal of enhancing coastal communities and the ocean economy in the United States. The following points summarize the main provisions and goals of the bill:

Purpose

The primary aim is to strengthen the Blue Economy, which includes sustainable industries related to oceans, lakes, and coastlines. This encompasses various sectors such as marine transportation, offshore energy, seafood processing, and coastal tourism.

Ocean Innovation Clusters

- The Secretary of Commerce will designate at least seven entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters within one year of the bill's enactment.- These clusters are intended to foster collaboration among businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and Native tribes or organizations.- Priority will be given to those entities that have demonstrated support for the Blue Economy.

Geographic Diversity

- At least one Ocean Innovation Cluster will be designated in each of the five regions served by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Great Lakes region, and the Gulf of Mexico region.

Partnership and Collaboration

- Each cluster will receive support from partnership managers designated by specific federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Economic Development Administration.- Interagency coordination will be encouraged to enhance collaboration across various sectors and agencies that impact the Blue Economy.

Grant Program

- The bill authorizes competitive grants for Ocean Innovation Clusters, with a maximum grant amount of $10 million for projects aimed at operational and administrative needs.- Grants would be for two-year terms but can be renewed, with a total funding authorization of $10 million per year from 2026 to 2030.

Focus Areas for Clusters

The Ocean Innovation Clusters will focus on several key areas, including:- Increasing access to job opportunities in the Blue Economy.- Supporting sustainable seafood supply chains and fostering innovative uses of ocean resources.- Engaging in research and developing technologies that promote sustainability.- Providing workforce development and training to prepare individuals for careers in ocean-related fields.

Innovation Centers

- The bill calls for the development of Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration in each designated region.- These centers will facilitate partnerships and serve as hubs for innovation in the ocean economy, supporting entrepreneurs and providing resources like meeting space and laboratories.

Measuring Economic Impact

- Federal agencies will be charged with using the Marine Economy Satellite Account to track and assess the economic impacts of the Ocean Innovation Clusters on the Blue Economy.

Intended Outcomes

The legislation aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance collaboration in promoting sustainable practices within coastal and ocean-dependent communities. The goals include improving access to resources, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall economic resilience of coastal regions.

Relevant Companies

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