Coastal Conservation Activities Initiative
$284.4 Million in FY 2002
America’s ocean and coastal resources are special places in need of attention and protection. NOAA requests $284.4 million in FY 2002 for continued funding focused on coastal resource conservation. The nation’s wetlands, estuaries, rivers, and other coastal habitats are critically important for supporting wildlife, commercial fisheries, and recreational opportunities. These “gateways to our nation” are increasingly impacted by a whole suite of activities, including population growth, development, maritime commerce, commercial and recreational fishing, and tourism.
The economic and environmental well-being we derive from the natural resources and beauty provided by these areas is being undermined by the very economic and aesthetic uses that make these diverse areas valuable to the nation. Escalating losses and degradation of coastal wetlands and coral reefs, and the impacts on our coasts and oceans from polluted runoff, offshore oil and gas production, and other stressors must be mitigated. NOAA, the nation’s leader in ocean and coastal stewardship, has the vision and expertise to work with its state and local partners to successfully confront this challenge. The request includes funding for investments to: strengthen protection of the ocean and coastal areas; conserve and restore coral reefs; provide states with tools and resources to address polluted runoff and economic development; and assist in the recovery of Pacific salmon. In line with efforts to slow the growth of Federal programs, this request is a net increase of only $6.3 million above FY 2001 levels.
Coral Reef Activities ($27.7M, +$0.7M)
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and biologically productive ecosystems on the planet and are responsible for generating billions of dollars in annual revenue for the U.S. economy. To address the severe degradation occurring at many of our nation’s reefs, NOAA proposes to implement many key activities identified by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to better protect coral reef ecosystems. Funds will be used to enhance NOAA’s initiati ves to conserve coral reef ecosystems with activities focusing on mapping, monitoring, restoration, research, management, marine debris removal, and increasing public awareness. The increase will allow NOAA, using grants, and in cooperation with state and local partners, to reduce unintended impacts and help ensure the sustainable use of coral reef resources by future generations, including the Northwest Hawaiian Islands - home to 70 percent of U.S. coral reefs.
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) ($75.4, + $8.6M grants, +0.4M Admin)
NOAA proposes a net increase of $9.0 million to strengthen improvements in our coastal states capacity to respond to critical resource and economic issues. Important economic drivers such as coastal tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, and the marine transportation system must be balanced with the need for healthy and vibrant coastlines. State CZMA programs will have additional resources to address the many issues impacting our coastal zones. This initiative would also enable NOAA to provide technical and programmatic expertise to support the national coastal management system. To support implementation of state Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control programs, NOAA will maintain the $10M grant program to address the impact of runoff on coastal waters.
National Estuarine Research Reserves ($26.3M, +$1.7M grants, +$2.9M land/facilities)
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) was established to protect key coastal areas for scientific study, education, and resource stewardship. The initiative proposes a modest increase in grants to assist states in better protecting and managing the more than one million acres of critical habitat in the reserve system. The proposed funding will help state partners plan and complete land acquisition and construction activities, and allow additional monitoring to track the health of each reserve. The increase will allow NOAA, in conjunction with its state partners, to provide national leadership by demonstrating estuary management which benefits future generations, as well as being living laboratories for research and education. NOAA requests a total of $9.9 million for critical land and facility projects at multiple sites.
National Marine Sanctuaries ($52.0M, + $3.6M operations, +$13.0M facilities)
The National Marine Sanctuaries, commonly
referred to as the “crown jewels of the marine environment,”
are home to some of the most diverse and extraordinary marine
ecosystems on the planet. Continued investment will provide funding
to upgrade the operating and technical capacity in the thirteen
national marine sanctuaries and the Hawaiian coral reserve. The
results will improve protection of important sanctuary resources,
including coral reefs, endangered marine mammals, sensitive habitats,
and cultural resources. In addition, this investment will provide
for additional site characterization (including further exploration
through the Sustainable Seas Expeditions), additional enforcement
capabilities, and the implementation of key management changes.
With the $16.0 million requested for
facilities, NOAA will work in partnership with other Federal
agencies and private institutions, to establish or upgrade facilities
to ensure public access to, and appreciation for, sanctuary resources.
This will include a substantial investment at the Nancy Foster
Florida Keys Environmental Center to renovate the buildings with
a mission to promote environmental protection, marine safety
and rescue, and coastal stewardship.
Marine Protected Areas ($3.0M, +$3.0M)
This investment will strengthen and improve NOAA-wide marine protected area (MPA) programs and their conservation goals. MPAs are used as a management tool to protect, maintain, or restore natural and cultural resources in coastal and marine waters. They have been used effectively nationally and internati onally to conserve biodiversity, manage natural resources, protect endangered species, reduce user conflicts, provide educational and research opportunities, and enhance commercial and recreational activities. The NOAA MPA Program consists of a MPA Center, with a small staff in Washington, DC, and two Institutes of Excellence. The Institute for MPA Science in Santa Cruz, CA will develop the science-based framework and tools to effectively manage MPAs. The Institute for MPA Training and Technical Assistance, in Charleston, SC, offers specialized training in MPA issues.
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Activities ($90.0M, +$0.0M)
Pacific salmon runs are at risk of extinction in the western states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. This continued investment will allow the states and tribes to continue activities for habitat restoration, research, monitoring, and recover planning and implementation.
| NOAA FY 2002 Budget Breakout of Coastal Conservation Initiative (dollars in millions) | |||
| Investment | FY02 Total | Line Office | NOAA Budget Location |
| Coral Reef Activities ($27.7M) | |||
| Coral Reef Institutes | $2.0 | NOS | Ocean Resources Conservation & Assessment |
| Coral Reefs Program | $14.0 | NOS | Ocean Resources Conservation & Assessment |
| Coral Reef Program | $11.0 | NMFS | Conservation & Management Operations |
| Coral Reef Monitoring | $0.7 | NESDIS | Satellite Observing Systems |
| Coastal Zone Management Act ($75.4M) | |||
| CZMA Program Administration | $6.4 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| CZM Grants (306/309) | $69.0 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| Nonpoint Pollution Implementation Grants | $10.0 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| Natl. Estuarine Research Reserves ($26.3M) | |||
| NERRS Grants | $16.4 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| NERRS Land Acquisition & Construction | $9.9 | NOS | Procurement, Acquisition & Construction |
| National Marine Sanctuaries ($52.0M) | |||
| Marine Sanctuaries Operations | $36.0 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| Marine Sanctuaries Construction | $16.0 | NOS | Procurement, Acquisition & Construction |
| Marine Protected Areas ($3.0M) | $3.0 | NOS | Ocean & Coastal Management |
| Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery ($90.0M) | $90.0 | NMFS | Pacific Coastal Salmon Fund |
| Total Request for FY 2002 | $284.4 | ||