U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Feb. 5 introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs), which are voluntarily convened by state governors in collaboration with local and federal government partners and stakeholders to address ocean and coastal issues of common concern for specific regions.
“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,” Sen. Wicker said. “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,” added the senator.
Among the eight original cosponsors of the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026, S. 3791, are U.S. Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
“I’m proud to be introducing the bipartisan Regional Ocean Partnerships Act with Sen. Wicker. Together, we will further empower states to work collaboratively to address coastal issues,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester.
If enacted, S. 3791 would give authority to governors of coastal states to apply to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for designation as an ROP.
The bill also would designate the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council, and the West Coast Ocean Alliance as ROPs and define the functions of ROPs, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s staff.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.