WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today offered an amendment during the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science and Relates Agencies Subcommittee bill mark-up to reverse $48 million in funding cuts for critical ocean and fisheries programs in the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These NOAA programs are playing critical roles in the conservation and protection of ocean wildlife and habitats that are vital to coastal communities and the overall health of the world’s oceans.

“Today is a great victory for our efforts to conserve one of our greatest natural resources,” said Congressman Sam Farr. “Our well being and the livelihood of America’s ocean communities are tied to the health of our world’s oceans. Therefore it is of vital importance that we continue to invest in research and conservation that protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.”

Among other programs, the amendment reverses funding cuts for the Marine Debris program which helped in the collection of over two tons of derelict fishing gear in Moss Landing, the National Marine Sanctuary program which is supporting conservation efforts in the Monterey Bay and the Pacific Salmon Protected Species and Research and Management that will benefit the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Santa Cruz. Just as important, these programs are working to conserve CentralCoast natural resources that protect the economic engines of our local economies, including tourism and fishing.

The Farr Amendment reverses funding cuts for the following ocean and fisheries NOAA programs:

• Pacific Salmon Protected Species Research and Management
• National Marine Sanctuary Program
• Marine Debris Program
• Fisheries Habitat Restoration
• Integrated Ocean Observing System
• National Estuarine Research Reserve System
• Cooperate Research

The bill will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.