Bill Overview
Title: Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act
Description: This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants for collaborative research projects on ocean acidification developed and conducted through partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community. NOAA must prioritize projects that (1) address ecosystems and communities vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification, (2) demonstrate support from local stakeholders, or (3) utilize seafood industry assets as research and monitoring platforms. NOAA may provide grants to a partnership in which a marine-dependent industry is substituted for the seafood industry.
Sponsors: Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Target Audience
Population: People whose livelihoods depend on the seafood industry and related ecosystems
Estimated Size: 500000
- Ocean acidification is a global issue affecting marine ecosystems worldwide.
- Communities that rely on marine resources, especially seafood industries, are directly impacted by changes in ocean chemistry.
- Academic communities involved in marine and environmental science research will be impacted as they gain opportunities for research funding.
- Ecosystems vulnerable to acidification include coral reefs, fisheries, and marine biodiversity.
- Legislation aims to mitigate impacts through research, benefiting long-term sustainability of affected ecosystems.
- The seafood industry globally consists of millions of individuals working in fishing, processing, and sales. All of these are indirectly impacted by ocean conditions.
Reasoning
- Simulated interviews cover a range of people likely to be affected by the policy, directly or indirectly. Given the budget and scope, we focus on stakeholders in U.S. coastal regions with significant seafood and academic industries.
- Marine scientists benefit directly from research grants, potentially affecting job satisfaction and career advancements.
- Seafood industry workers might experience indirect benefits through improved knowledge and technology resulting from the policy.
- People not directly tied to the industry have limited to no impact, reflecting diverse levels of concern and awareness about environmental issues.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Scientist (Southeast Alaska)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is great for facilitating collaboration between academia and industry, which is essential for impactful research.
- It could significantly advance our understanding of ocean acidification and help mitigate its impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Shrimp Boat Captain (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this research can help maintain shrimp populations, it would be worth supporting.
- We need better data and this policy seems to promote that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Tour Guide (San Diego, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a positive step towards preserving marine biodiversity.
- I hope it results in tangible actions that our tours can highlight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Marine Policy Analyst (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could enable strategic use of industry platforms for research.
- Long-term, it might inform better policy decisions at higher levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Aquaculture Technician (Miami, Florida)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having funds for collaborative research on acidification could significantly impact coral restoration efforts.
- This policy acknowledges the importance of industry support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired Seafood Processing Plant Manager (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish this kind of support existed during my working years.
- It's better late than never but should have broader industry reach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Marine Biologist (Gulf of Mexico, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This funding will enhance our projects and foster impactful collaborations.
- I believe this can lead to meaningful advancements in ocean health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Graduate Student in Marine Sciences (Backbay, Maine)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An exciting development that would support my research.
- Looking forward to potential new data sources from industry partners.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Restauranteur (Seafood Cuisine) (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy may help ensure sustainable seafood, vital for my business.
- Consumer awareness of sustainable practices is growing; this reinforces that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School Science Teacher (Midwest, US)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational programs could use policy developments as case studies.
- Good to see practical investment in science, but direct impact on my life is limited.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 3: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 5: $23000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $28000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Key Considerations
- Long-term sustainability of marine resources is crucial for economic wellbeing in coastal regions.
- The collaboration between industry and academia will need to be effectively managed to maximize research outcomes.
- NOAA's capacity to manage and prioritize impactful research projects is critical to the success of this initiative.