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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 2009
Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to secure for future U.S. generations the full range of benefits of healthy marine ecosystems.
Specifies a national ocean policy and related principles. Requires each federal agency to act in accordance with that policy.
Reestablishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its leadership. (NOAA was created by the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970.) Includes in NOAA the National Weather Service and the Science Advisory Board.
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Establishes a National Ocean Advisor in the Executive Office of the President.
Reestablishes in the Executive Office of the President the Committee on Ocean Policy, which was originally established by executive order.
Establishes a Council of Advisors on Ocean Policy to advise the President.
Designates nine ocean regions to promote coordinated regional efforts to implement the national ocean policy. Requires the NOAA Administrator to establish or designate a Regional Ocean Partnership for each region and requires each Partnership to prepare a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan.
Establishes the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Trust Fund.
Requires payments to coastal states for Regional Ocean Strategic Plan activities.
Requires the United States Postal Service (USPS) to print a special postage stamp to enable the public to help protect, maintain, and restore marine ecosystems.
People & committees
Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-17] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
Referred to House Science and Technology
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Natural Resources
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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