Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1447) to amend the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board, to expand and improve the research on Ocean Acidification and Coastal Acidification, to establish and maintain a data archive system for Ocean Acidification data and Coastal Acidification data, and for other purposes, as amended.

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Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats, or COAST, Research Act, my bipartisan bill to help coastal communities adapt to the climate crisis by expanding scientific research, monitoring, and adaptation of ocean and coastal acidification.

I want to thank all of the staff on both sides of the aisle, from the committee and my personal staff, especially Maxine Sugarman, for all their work on this bill.

Every person on this planet benefits from a healthy ocean. The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the planet's surface. It supplies much of the oxygen that we breathe and regulates our climate. It is linked to the water we drink, and it is home to more than half of all life on the planet. The power of its waves generates clean energy. The ocean drives our economy, feeds, employs, and transports us. But despite our intrinsic connection, for too long the ocean has taken the heat for us.

According to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are now higher than at any time in the last 3 million years. Approximately one-third of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves into our ocean and estuaries, causing them to become more acidic.

Ocean and coastal acidification make it difficult for shellfish, coral, and other marine organisms to build their shells and skeletal structures. Some finfish, including endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, lose their sense of smell necessary for identifying prey, reproducing, and navigating their habitats. Our understanding of the long-term consequences of ocean acidification is still limited, but we do know that the changes in ocean chemistry are already affecting the fishers and shellfish farmers who depend on the ocean's resources to support themselves and their families and the Tribes that have treaty rights and deep cultural and historical connections to diminishing species.

The most effective strategy for mitigating ocean acidification is reducing anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide pollution worldwide. I have joined with colleagues on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in releasing a bold, comprehensive, and science-based Climate Action Plan to reach net-zero emissions no later than mid-century and net-negative thereafter. But there are also actions that we can take immediately to improve conditions, lessen exposure to ocean acidification, and manage local pollution and conditions that can exacerbate acidification.

This bill, which I introduced with my fellow co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, Representative Young from Alaska, and with Representatives Pingree and Posey, would improve scientific research on ocean and coastal acidification in the context of other environmental stressors and direct Federal agencies to assess adaptation and mitigation strategies. Funding has lagged behind the needs of the scientific community for years, and this bill would provide a modest, but important, increase for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation to scale up research efforts. Importantly, the bill also expands the definition of ocean acidification to include estuaries and recognize mechanisms that cause changes in coastal chemistry.

NOAA is already leading interdisciplinary efforts to expand our understanding of changing ocean conditions in its role as chair of the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification. In fact, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, and I hope my colleagues will join me in applauding their work to truly advance regionally coordinated scientific research.

A September 2015 Government Accountability Office report suggested that an independent national ocean acidification program could advance our understanding of changing ocean conditions. The COAST Research Act designates NOAA as the lead Federal agency responsible for implementing the Federal response to ocean and coastal acidification, further empowering the Ocean Acidification Program to scale up its efforts with its first reauthorization in more than a decade.

Additionally, the COAST Research Act increases our understanding of the socioeconomic effects of ocean and coastal acidification and, importantly, it engages stakeholders. The bill creates an advisory board of representatives of the shellfish and crab industry, finfish industry, seafood processors, recreational fishing, academia, nongovernmental organizations, State, local, and Tribal governments, and regional coastal acidification networks. The regionally balanced board will advise NOAA and the Interagency Working Group on coastal and ocean acidification research and monitoring activities. This collaborative process will help make sure that vulnerable and affected communities, industries, and coastal and ocean managers have the tools they need to adapt and mitigate the effects of coastal and ocean acidification.

For example, at Oregon State University, Dr. Burke Hales developed the ``Burke-o-Lator,'' a device the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, that can analyze when shellfish growers across the Pacific Northwest should grow larvae based on the ocean acidity and the effects on calcium carbonates needed for shell formation. Other research at Oregon State has demonstrated how growing particular seagrasses and kelps can help counteract ocean acidification. These examples help demonstrate what is possible when we invest in science and research to help coastal communities adapt to the climate crisis.

The COAST Research Act directs NOAA to maintain a system to process, store, archive, and provide access to data on ocean and coastal acidification from federally funded research, including existing global or national datasets, and research from State and local agencies, Tribes, academic scientists, citizen scientists, and industry organizations. These efforts will help provide for the long-term stewardship and standardization of ocean acidification data and better help communities adapt and mitigate the worst effects.

Madam Speaker, the health of our ocean reflects the health of our planet. Today, we have the opportunity to help it become more resilient by passing the bipartisan COAST Research Act.

I thank Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas and my co- sponsors for their leadership. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

I reference letters from Earthjustice, Ocean Conservancy, Wild Salmon Center, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Integrated Ocean Observing System Association, Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Oregon State University, Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, in support of the COAST Research Act.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record several of the above- referenced letters. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 10 February 2021. Re The Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, House of Representatives. Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Bonamici: We write to offer Oregon State University's support for The Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act.

As marine habitats face new and daunting pressures threatening their sustainability, the COAST Research Act identifies the growing need for strategic and robust investments in ocean acidification (OA) research, monitoring and stakeholder collaboration.

Oregon State University is committed to interdisciplinary approaches to address the national and global challenges facing our oceans and coast communities. OSU has a deep history of global leadership in oceanography and engages in nationally ranked oceanographic monitoring programs and world-leading OA research. Further, the university recognizes that Oregon's estuaries and coastal regions are home to some of the world's most productive ecosystems and economically vital shellfish farms.

The university is encouraged that the COAST Research Act expands the definition of OA to include coastal and estuarine systems, and identifies OA as being affected by a combination of factors, including hypoxia. The university believes that by expanding federal definitions of OA and by increasing funding opportunities, researchers and managers will be able to best utilize resources to find solutions to address OA.

The university also is encouraged that this legislation recognizes the need for federal engagement to continue important investments to understand and address ocean and coastal acidification. Doing so will enhance the integration of OA research, monitoring and adaptation strategies across principal federal research agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Oregon State University understands that effective and collaborative partnerships and communication are essential for our state and nation to find adaptive and mitigation solutions to address OA. For example, the proposal to establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board will be essential for facilitating the important work still to be done.

The world's ocean belongs to everyone, and ocean health is critical to our future. In the coming decades, it will be essential for the nation and its universities to work collaboratively to improve and sustain the health of our oceans. Doing so, we will assure human wellness, environmental health and economic prosperity for future generations.

In closing, Oregon State University believes that the COAST Research Act proposes important new strategic tools to expand understanding and address the problems facing our oceans and coastal communities. Sincerely, Edward Feser, Ph.D.,

Provost and Executive Vice President. Irem Tumer, Ph.D., ASME Fellow,

Vice President for Research. ____ Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Portland, OR, February 9, 2021. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Bonamici: On behalf of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, I am writing in support of the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act.

The COAST Act would dedicate greater resources and focus on the issue of ocean acidification. The legislation increases Federal research, planning, interagency coordination, data collection, stakeholder input, and socioeconomic study into this growing and vexing problem impacting our marine fisheries and wildlife. The Commission appreciates the thoughtful and bipartisan approach you and Representatives Young, Pingree and Posey have taken in developing the bill.

The Commission's membership includes the State fisheries and wildlife agencies of five West Coast states, including Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Our coastal members have seen the firsthand impact of ocean acidification with early research showing a detrimental effect on shell formation in our crab and shellfish species. Over time, these chemical changes to shell composition could be devastating to our valuable Dungeness crab fishery and inshore shellfish aquaculture operators. There is much more that needs to be learned about the effect of ocean acidification on these and other marine species so that appropriate public policy measures and solutions can be pursued at both the Federal and state levels.

Ocean acidification is one side effect of other changes in ocean temperatures and conditions that have been harmful along the West Coast. Regional temperature oscillation during the El Nino/La Nina cycles has increased dramatically in recent years. Average sea surface temperatures have increased by as much as 7 degrees in some years resulting to many unfortunate effects to fisheries and marine mammals, including harmful algal blooms leading to Dungeness crab season closures; low salmon returns due to reduced ocean survivability of juvenile fish; shifts in whale migration patterns causing greater entanglement in fishing gear and shipping vessel strikes; and sea lion stranding and die-offs from consumption of crab and shellfish poisoned by domoic acid.

Thank you for your leadership in reintroducing the COAST Act. The Commission stands ready to assist and serve as a resource for you and your staff as the bill moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Randy Fisher, Executive Director. ____ PCSGA, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, March 18, 2021. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Bonamici: On behalf of the members of Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA), I am submitting this letter of support for the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2019. Shellfish growers were the first community to call attention to the problems associated with ocean acidification when, in 2007, they experienced severe oyster larvae mortality in two out of three major west coast shellfish hatcheries. Since then, PCSGA has engaged in several local, state, and federal efforts and initiatives to ensure a future for this historic industry.

Shellfish farming on the west coast began in the late 1800's, fueled the California Gold Rush and was the reason for the development of many coastal towns. Today, PCSGA, proudly represents 120 shellfish farms in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii which farm mussels, clams, oysters and geoduck. Our members not only produce sustainable, healthy, food, but also provide significant ecosystem services such aquatic habitat and water filtration, and support thousands of family-wage jobs within rural coastal communities.

For nearly a decade, the shellfish industry has benefited from NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program and the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), both of which relate to the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act of 2009. These programs and the directives within FOARAM have influenced the way shellfish growers operate their farms among the uncertainty of changing ocean conditions. Historically, growers only consulting their tide charts. Now, growers rely upon a variety of real-time data and tools to understand the ocean changes and adapt methods and practices which allow them to continue farming in a productive and profitable manner. There much work ahead of us and much yet to learn. COAST Research Act provides an essential pathway forward.

We are excited by the intent of COAST Research Act, the opportunities it provides and that it's been included as part of the Climate Action Plan. We see how COAST will further investments in ocean and coastal acidification research and monitoring, assist shellfish community with much needed adaptation strategies and coordinate work with stakeholders. Simply put, COAST is a logical and necessary follow-up to FOARAM and allows us to continue asking questions and seek innovative approaches to mitigate the impacts related to ocean acidification.

Thank you very much for your leadership on this and for your commitment to ensuring the long-term health of our coastal and marine areas upon which shellfish growers depend. Respectfully, Margaret A. Pilaro, Executive Director. ____ The Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, February 12th, 2021. Re Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, Washington, DC.

As the Co-Chairs of the State legislatively mandated, Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (or ``Oregon OAH Council''), we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a letter of strong support for the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act. Addressing intensifying ocean acidification (OA) conditions here in Oregon, as well as across the United States, is critical to our Nation's understanding of larger impacts from CO2 emissions.

Oregon is among the first places in the world to observe direct impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH), due to our unique geographic and oceanographic context, putting our fragile marine ecosystem at risk. Our coastal economies rely on our vibrant marine ecosystem. Our nearshore waters are home to sport and commercial fisheries, all of the State's mariculture operations, and contain critical nursery grounds for economically important species including rockfish, oysters, salmon, pink shrimp, and Dungeness crab. Oregon is not alone in experiencing the impacts from OA or hypoxia. Through actions such as those in the COAST Research Act we must act together as Americans to develop solutions for our coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems to prepare for future conditions.

In the coming years, the Oregon OAH Council will continue to take a collaborative, science-based approach to developing recommendations to address OAH in our state and beyond. Through further investments and initiatives, Oregon and the United States will benefit from adaptation and mitigation measures and will model to the world how to develop actionable solutions for OA adaptation and mitigation.

Oregon has identified three urgently needed strategic actions, which directly align with objectives within the COAST Research Act.

(1) Monitoring of key oceanographic and biological indicators of impacts from OAH.

At the same time that OA has been impacting our coasts, oxygen-depletion is on the rise; Oregon and much of the West coast has seen several seasons in a row with extended periods of hypoxia in our coastal waters. The Oregon OAH Council is encouraged that the COAST Research Act identifies the need to strengthen investments in OA research and monitoring in the context of other environmental stressors. Ocean acidification and hypoxia are compounding stressors for a wide range of marine animals, and as such must continue to be studied together. Through the COAST Research Acts reauthorization of funding of NOAA, NSF, and NASA, much needed resources will be made available to researchers across the United States to continue to expand our knowledge of OAH. The Oregon OAH Council also supports the initiative of the COAST Research Act to create data processing, storage, and archive facilities to provide for the long-term stewardship and standardization of data. By creating a central repository for OAH data it provides governments, scientists, and industry better access to the information need to inform their mitigation and adaption planning. Only by maximizing our current data and filling our knowledge gaps of OAH, can we as a Nation begin to be able to piece together for solutions for our coastal communities.

(2) Projects or programs that promote coastal economic and ecosystem resilience to OAH.

Fisheries and aquaculture are central to our history, are enjoyed by Americans across the nation year-round, and remain key to many of Oregon's coastal economies today. Yet, the future sustainability of these marine resources and communities' ability to rely on them, are uncertain in the face of significant ocean changes, including OAH, and uncertain in the face of our current state of preparation to adapt to those changes over time. This is why the Oregon OAH Council supports activities and initiatives that promote resilience to increased OAH conditions, for both human communities and ecosystems. The COAST Research Act also stresses the importance of increasing our understanding of the socioeconomic effects of OA by expanding federal research to assess adaptation and mitigation strategies. There will be costs of inaction relative to CO2 mitigation and the United States has an obligation to relieve these costs wherever possible for our citizens.

(3) Tools and strategies to increase awareness of OAH science, impacts and solutions.

As the impacts of OA intensify, it is going to be vitally important for our Nation to identify and advance opportunities to raise awareness of and communicate OAH science, impacts, and mitigation solutions. This is why the Oregon OAH Council is encouraged by the fact that the COAST Research Act recognizes the need to address the effects of OA on estuaries and integrate research, monitoring, and adaptation strategies. By integrating OA causes and effects, it better demonstrates the complexity of this climate issue, and provides a clearer message to communities. The Oregon OAH Council also supports the COAST Research Act establishment of an Advisory Board to increase coordination among stakeholders, including members of industry, to work with State and Federal governments to improve coordination. Recognizing the importance of a broad membership, our Oregon OAH Council includes members from industry, academia and state government agencies. For the benefit of our marine ecosystem and the human communities that rely on a healthy marine ecosystem, the Nation's adaptation and mitigation approaches to OA should include successful communication of new science, monitoring, and adaptation strategies.

As Co-Chairs of the Oregon OAH Council, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a letter of strong support for the COAST Research Act. The strategic investment and coordination opportunities outlined in this act are meaningful and will make a difference in our understanding of OAH science, impacts, and solutions. Through passage of this Act and the subsequent investment in science, adaptation and communications, the United States will demonstrate meaningful action in fighting OA and the global challenges of climate change, and preparing our citizens and economies for the changes ahead.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Sincerely, John Barth, PhD,

Co-Chair, Oregon OAH Council, Executive Director, Marine Studies Initiative, Oregon State University. Caren Braby, PhD,

Co-Chair, Oregon OAH Council, Marine Resources Program Manager, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. ____ Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, Seattle, WA, 14 May 2021. Hon. Suzanne Bonamici, House of Representatives, Washington DC.

Dear Congresswoman Bonamici: As the Director of the Northwest Association of Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), I write in support of the Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research Act.

NANOOS provides access to near-real time observations, forecasts, and other tools that can be used to observe water properties in the Salish Sea and the coastal waters off Washington and Oregon. NANOOS can only serve our stakeholders via NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which links together Federal agencies with our collective of local universities, government agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and industry organizations who collect quality oceanographic and meteorological data from moorings, buoys, and satellites from across the Pacific Northwest region. But our resources are limited and this COAST Research Act would help to highlight the payoff investments can make.

In the Pacific Northwest, we know that ocean acidification is an issue already, as witnessed by the difference that monitoring water chemistry has made to shellfish growers. We know that impacts from ocean acidification may affect shellfish harvesters, fishermen, resource managers, and tribal and other coastal communities. NANOOS' work with IOOS and NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program have been instrumental in aiding adaptation.

The COAST Research Act will enhance these and other efforts to understand, monitor, and manage the nation's ability to respond and adapt to ocean acidification. NANOOS will be better able to meet the needs of our stakeholders if this Act is passed.

My thanks for your leadership and insights. Sincerely, Jan Newton, NANOOS Executive Director.

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Ms. BONAMICI. House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, April 19, 2021. Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Johnson: In recognition of the goal of expediting consideration of H.R. 1447, the ``Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2021,'' the Committee on Natural Resources agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources.

The Committee on Natural Resources takes this action with the mutual understanding that, in doing so, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation.

Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters in the Congressional Record. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Raul M. Grijalva, Chair, House Natural Resources Committee. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, April 16, 2021. Chairman Raul M. Grijalva, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Grijalva: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1447, the ``Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2021,'' which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on March 1, 2021.

I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this bill. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. I acknowledge that your Committee will waive further consideration of H.R. 1447 and that this action is not a waiver of future jurisdictional claims by the Committee on Natural Resources over this subject matter.

I will make sure to include our exchange of letters in the Congressional Record and will support the appointment of the Committee on Natural Resources conferees during any House- Senate conference. Thank you for your cooperation on this legislation.

Sincerely, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman.

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Ms. BONAMICI. Pingree), a cosponsor of the COAST Research Act.

The basic chemistry of our ocean is changing at an unprecedented rate. We know that even if carbon dioxide emissions were halted today, many of the residual effects on our oceans will continue to occur over the course of the next few decades.

Without intervention, ocean acidification is projected to become more intense and increasingly common, especially on the Pacific Coast. We must support vulnerable communities, industries, coastal and ocean managers by strengthening research on how they can best prepare for and, when possible, adapt to ocean and coastal acidification.

By passing the bipartisan COAST Research Act, we are taking one important step forward in advancing ocean climate action.

I, again, thank Chairwoman Johnson; Ranking Member Lucas; and my co- leads on this bill, Representative Young, Pingree, and Posey for their support.

I know Mr. Young from Alaska talked about his salmon. We would compete with salmon in the Pacific Northwest. We also have the prize dungeness crab, and Ms. Pingree has her lobsters. It is so critical for these industries that we pass this bill and advance ocean climate action.

I, once again, urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan bill.

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