Defend NOAA From Attacks

Surfrider Foundation is urging federal leaders to support critical funding, programs, and staffing for the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lead federal agency responsible for managing our nation's ocean and coasts, as well as monitoring weather and climate change impacts. The agency depends on annual funding from Congress to implement its ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes management programs. However, the Trump administration is taking steps to cut NOAA staffing and funding in the coming year, as evidenced by the President’s budget proposal and efforts to bypass the Congressional budget process and stop spending internally at NOAA. 

Despite efforts by the administration to stymie agency efforts and programs, FY2026 proposals have largely protected funding for key programs and initiatives, demonstrating the importance of NOAA to coastal and Great Lakes states and communities. 

Surfrider’s top priorities for robust NOAA funding in FY 2026 include: National Marine Sanctuaries, Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Resilience programs. Surfrider is also urging Congress to maintain critical funding for IOOS, Coral Reef, and Sea Grant programs. In addition to direct advocacy for NOAA funding, we are urging Congress to reject any harmful policy riders that threaten environmental protections, including attacks on the Coastal Zone Management Act. 

As Surfrider continues to advocate to adequately fund key NOAA through the federal budget process, we are also advocating for the passage of legislation that renews or expands important NOAA programs, including the Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act and the Digital Coast Act. Passing these bills helps to ensure that funding is being actively funneled to programs that are of vital importance to coastal communities and ecosystems in light of the impacts of climate change. 

Ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes management, science and stewardship is critical to our nation's communities, economy, and way of life. Below is a summary of just some of NOAA's crucial functions and benefits for the American public:

• Protecting vibrant marine ecosystems through National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine Monuments.
• Managing our nation's coasts in partnership with states, tribes, and communities to protect these vital resources for public use and enjoyment.
• Supporting community efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, coastal flooding, and extreme weather.
• Researching the effects of climate change so we can better understand the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet and coastlines.
• Protecting endangered and threatened marine species, including whales and sea turtles.
• Addressing plastic pollution through research, education, and marine debris removal. 
• Ensuring sustainable fisheries that support jobs and help keep our seafood safe.
• Providing accurate and timely weather forecasts and notifications that serve the needs of millions of people every day and a critical public safety function.
• Collaborating with partners to conduct research that improves our understanding of the marine and coastal environment. 

Take Action to Protect our Coasts!

Please contact your Congressional Representatives in Washington D.C. and ask them to support critical funding for NOAA in the FY 2026 budget.