Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with ten bipartisan colleagues, have introduced the Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act. The proposed legislation aims to renew partnerships between federal agencies, states, nonprofits, universities, and private companies to improve coordination of coastal resource management.
“Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise, and we owe so much of that to the Gulf of America and the incredible natural bounty our state is blessed with. That’s why I’m proud to help renew our partnerships with the federal government, other states, and businesses and nonprofits to keep our Gulf communities strong and clean,” said Kennedy.
Wicker emphasized the importance of regional cooperation on coastal issues: “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. 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 data-base portals, and leverages funding to strengthen our Blue Economy and protect natural resources.”
The bill would extend authorization for the Regional Ocean Partnerships program through fiscal years 2028-2031. The program currently supports four regional alliances focused on voluntary conservation efforts among various stakeholders.
In the Gulf region, the Gulf of America Alliance (GOAA) brings together Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas in efforts such as monitoring habitat health for Gulf species, tracking water quality along coasts, helping farmers reduce erosion and pollution in northeast Louisiana, removing abandoned crab traps from waterways, and evaluating toxins in waterfowl.
Additional cosponsors include Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“I’m proud to be introducing the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Act with Senator Wicker. Together, we will further empower states to work collaboratively to address coastal issues,” said Blunt Rochester.
Britt noted local priorities: “My dedication to supporting Alabama’s coastal communities is unwavering. The most significant priorities in the Gulf of America may differ from those in the Pacific or the 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. As coastal communities, including in our Southern states, continue to grow and thrive, I’m proud to champion legislation that prioritizes their needs.”
Coons highlighted Delaware’s interests: “Delaware’s beaches are treasures of our state. We must protect them for the families that come to our shores to make lifelong memories, for the communities they protect from storms and flooding, and for the coastal economies they sustain and grow. I’m proud to support this bill to help preserve these natural resources because healthy oceans make for a stronger Delaware.”
Markey addressed Massachusetts’ needs: “Massachusetts’ coastal communities depend on a healthy ocean—but we can’t navigate stormy waters alone. This bipartisan bill will support the ongoing work done across the Northeast region to address key ocean and coastal issues.”
Murphy spoke about Connecticut: “The Regional Ocean Partnership program is one of our best tools when it comes to planning for the future of Connecticut’s economy and protecting the health of the Long Island Sound. By bringing together ocean scientists and lawmakers from across New England we can collaborate on research and be better prepared to respond to climate change and worsening natural disasters. I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation to make sure this collaboration remains strong and can expand across the country.”
The Regional Ocean Partnerships program was first authorized through fiscal year 2027 under provisions included in a 2021 defense policy law; Kennedy previously supported its original authorization during an earlier session.
Kennedy represents Louisiana statewide in Washington D.C., maintaining offices throughout major cities such as Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans,and Shreveport (official website). He leads initiatives related not only to environmental matters but also veterans’ affairs,farming,business,and national security while serving as chair of Senate Banking,Housing,and Urban Affairs Committee,in addition to roles on Appropriations,Budget,and Energy & Natural Resources committees (official website).
The full text of this legislation is available online.
