The "Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act" aims to enhance the administration and effectiveness of national marine debris efforts by modifying the Marine Debris Act and the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. It streamlines operations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, allowing for expanded agreement types and in-kind contributions for projects. These changes are designed to improve the program's flexibility and reach in addressing marine pollution. The bill significantly restructures and clarifies the governance of the Marine Debris Foundation, refining the appointment process for its Board of Directors, setting 6-year terms , and detailing the roles and powers of the Chief Executive Officer. A key focus is to enhance engagement with Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments , requiring the Foundation to develop best practices for outreach, technical assistance, and capacity building within these communities. The legislation also extends the authorization of appropriations for the Marine Debris Foundation through fiscal year 2025 and reauthorizes the broader Marine Debris Act through fiscal year 2029, expanding eligible recipients to include Tribal organizations and foreign governments. Furthermore, the Act clarifies definitions for terms such as "circular economy," "coastal shoreline community," and "Tribal Government," ensuring consistent application across the amended laws. Conforming amendments standardize terminology, such as replacing "Administrator" with "Under Secretary" in various sections, to reflect updated administrative structures and improve overall clarity.
Aquatic ecologyCharitable contributionsDepartment of CommerceIndian social and development programsInternational organizations and cooperationMarine pollutionPublic contracts and procurementPublic-private cooperationSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsWater quality
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
USA119th CongressS-216| Senate
| Updated: 12/26/2025
The "Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act" aims to enhance the administration and effectiveness of national marine debris efforts by modifying the Marine Debris Act and the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. It streamlines operations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, allowing for expanded agreement types and in-kind contributions for projects. These changes are designed to improve the program's flexibility and reach in addressing marine pollution. The bill significantly restructures and clarifies the governance of the Marine Debris Foundation, refining the appointment process for its Board of Directors, setting 6-year terms , and detailing the roles and powers of the Chief Executive Officer. A key focus is to enhance engagement with Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments , requiring the Foundation to develop best practices for outreach, technical assistance, and capacity building within these communities. The legislation also extends the authorization of appropriations for the Marine Debris Foundation through fiscal year 2025 and reauthorizes the broader Marine Debris Act through fiscal year 2029, expanding eligible recipients to include Tribal organizations and foreign governments. Furthermore, the Act clarifies definitions for terms such as "circular economy," "coastal shoreline community," and "Tribal Government," ensuring consistent application across the amended laws. Conforming amendments standardize terminology, such as replacing "Administrator" with "Under Secretary" in various sections, to reflect updated administrative structures and improve overall clarity.
Aquatic ecologyCharitable contributionsDepartment of CommerceIndian social and development programsInternational organizations and cooperationMarine pollutionPublic contracts and procurementPublic-private cooperationSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsWater quality