By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of nine U.S. senators, including five Democrats and four Republicans, has introduced legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the nation’s Regional Ocean Partnerships, a framework originally passed in 2021 under the Biden Administration that is designed to help coastal states work together on shared ocean and coastal challenges.
The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act would reauthorize the partnerships under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and clarify their role in coordinating data, research, and policy across state and regional boundaries. Supporters say the bill would give coastal states greater flexibility to collaborate on issues ranging from water quality and fisheries management to economic development and coastal resilience.
The measure is sponsored by senators from both parties representing coastal states across the country. In addition to Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the bill is backed by Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons of Delaware, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Susan Collins of Maine, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, and Edward Markey of Oregon.
Supporters of the legislation say many marine and coastal challenges do not stop at state lines and require regional solutions that reflect local priorities rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“My dedication to supporting Alabama’s coastal communities is unwavering,” Britt said. “The most significant priorities in the Gulf of America may differ from those in the Pacific or the North Atlantic. The Regional Ocean Partnerships Act engages local and state governments, including stakeholders, to safeguard our oceans and coasts by curating regional plans to ensure federal and state resources are used efficiently from coast to coast.”
Regional Ocean Partnerships are voluntary, governor-led collaborations formed in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as academic institutions, tribal governments, and other stakeholders. Existing partnerships operate in regions including the Gulf of Mexico, the Northeast, the Mid Atlantic, and the West Coast.
Wicker, the bill’s lead sponsor, said shared data and coordination are critical for addressing real-world challenges facing coastal economies.
“Mississippi and other coastal states share similar concerns regarding American waters, including the impact of harmful algal blooms and lack of data for oyster farmers,” Wicker said. “It is important for states to work together to provide solutions for the issues our coasts face today. This bill promotes regional collaboration, builds stronger database portals, and leverages funding to strengthen our Blue Economy and protect natural resources.”
If enacted, the legislation would allow governors of coastal states to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for designation as a Regional Ocean Partnership. It would also formally designate the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Mid Atlantic Regional Council, and the West Coast Ocean Alliance as Regional Ocean Partnerships, while defining their roles and functions.
Other co-sponsors emphasized the importance of protecting coastal economies and ecosystems through collaboration. Senators from New England and the Gulf Coast cited the need for coordinated research, data sharing, and long-term planning to strengthen resilience and support industries that depend on healthy oceans.
Britt noted the bill builds on her previous efforts to advocate for Alabama’s coastal and fishing communities. She previously led bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting American fishermen and combating illicit activity in the Gulf.
Supporters say reauthorizing the Regional Ocean Partnerships would provide long-term stability for regional collaborations while preserving flexibility to address unique coastal challenges, ensuring that federal and state resources are used effectively and informed by regional expertise.
