# Presentation: 670982

## National Sea Grant Review Panel

- Scott Rayder
- Chief of Staff
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
- February 22, 2007

- Semiannual Winter Meeting

## Outline

- The Budget: NOAA & Sea Grant
- Ocean Action Plan
- Legislative Priorities for the 110th Congress
- The Way Forward—Challenges and Opportunities for Sea Grant

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Good morning, and thank you for inviting me to speak to your distinguished Panel today.

  I intend to devote the majority of my time to discussing what I know is at the forefront of most of your minds: the budget.
I would like to share my thoughts on the FY 07 budget and the outlook for FY 08, both on a NOAA-wide and Sea Grant-specific basis. 

  Next, I will discuss the Ocean Action Plan as it relates to Sea Grant and how Sea Grant can help NOAA meet its obligations under the Plan.

  Then, I’d like to highlight NOAA’s legislative priorities for the 110th Congress and the role Sea Grant can play in supporting and advancing those priorities. 

  Finally, I will address NOAA’s vision for moving forward as a family and how Sea Grant fits into that vision. 

## NOAA Budget Trends

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
NOAA’s budget has grown to respond to public demand for mission critical products and services. 

The President’s Budget has grown at a steady rate, but the Congressional Budget has remained flat since FY 2005.

Gap continues between the President’s Budget and the Congressional Budget.
FY 08 Request is $96.1M below the FY 2006 Enacted

The FY07 CR has presented some challenges for our operating plan.  For example, with grant-making, which is nearly one third of NOAA’s budget:
in the 1st Q of FY07 we issued 19 awards for $15M
that is 80% less awards, at nearly half the dollar value when compared with the 1st Q of FY06 (100 awards for $28M), because we are unable to exercise our full discretionary spending authority.
This means will are likely to have to do roughly 85-90% of the funded grants workload in the last 6 months of the fiscal year, which affects our customers and our people.

For 3 years NOAA has been funded at $3.9 billion (request keeps rising, but enacted budget does not). 

## FY 07 Continuing Resolution

- Joint Resolution 20 signed into law on February 15th, 2007
- Funds the Federal government through September 30th, 2007
- Joint Resolution provides NOAA with continued funding at the FY06 Enacted level ($3.9 billion)
- Possible small upward adjustments to some items
- FY 2007 spending plan is still under development

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Note: the Panel will likely ask whether NOAA plan to use any of its FY 07 discretionary funds to boost Sea Grant’s capacity during the current Fiscal Year?

Answer: FY 07 spending plan is still under development, so it is currently unclear whether Sea Grant will receive additional funding during the current fiscal year.  

## FY 2008 Budget Context

- NOAA Services Crucial to Our Nation’s Competitiveness
- Increasing Need to Preserve Ocean and Coastal Resources
- Severe Weather Impacting Our Economy and Public Safety
- Understanding Climate Change to Manage Resources Better
- NOAA Environmental Information Key to Millions of Decisions
- Fiscal Environment Requires Careful Resource Decisions

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
These points highlight the context in which NOAA is operating and the agency’s highest priorities for the coming fiscal year. 

## FY 2008 Budget Highlights

- Request of $3,815.4M is $131.3M or 3.4% above the FY 2007 President’s Budget
- Request is $96.1M or 2.5% below the FY 2006 Enacted Level
- Reflects the Administration’s Guidance on Discretionary Spending
- Supports Core Mission Services
- Includes $51.5M for Adjustments to Base and $79.9M in Program Increases
- Supports President’s U.S. Ocean Action Plan

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
FY06 Enacted:  $3,911.4M ($4,088M w/ supplemental)
$177M (broken down into $128M for fish, $20M for marine debris & hurricane infrastructure, and $25M for the Pascagoula Lab). 
FY07 PB:  $3,684.1M
FY07 CR $3,387.0M
FY08 PB:  $3,815.4M

## Summary by Strategic Goal

| Goal$ are obligations(incl. mandatory) | FY 2006 Enacted
FY 2007 Blue Book Amount | FY 2007 President’s Budget | FY 2008 Net Changes | FY 2008 President’s Request | Percent Change
over ‘07 PB |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ecosystems | $1,239 | $1,055 | $95 | $1,150 | 9.0% |
| Climate | $251 | $226 | $14 | $240 | 6.2% |
| Weather & Water | $933 | $877 | $46 | $923 | 5.2% |
| Commerce & Transportation | $182 | $159 | $6 | $165 | 3.8% |
| Mission Support | $1,401 | $1,503 | ($24) | $1,479 | (1.6%) |
| Financing | ($95) | ($136) | ($6) | ($142) | — |
| Total | $3,911 | $3,684 | $131 | $3,815 | 3.4% |

- ($ in millions)

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Modest increases in most mission goal areas:

Largest growth area is in Ecosystems, reflecting the need to support the U.S. Ocean Action Plan through Ocean Research and Monitoring, Fisheries Research and Management, and Habitat Restoration

The balance of NOAA’s portfolio reflects minor growth:

Climate includes increases for drought prediction and warning activities, and to support further use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Weather and Water increase will cover the need for operational costs for hurricane data buoys received in the 2006 Hurricane supplemental

Commerce and Transportation increases will support ocean and National Water Level Observing Network (NWLON) sensors.

Mission Support includes some minor increases for O&M for NOAA Vessels, and the Pacific Region Office & Science Center, as well as several decreases in the Satellite program that result in an overall reduction in mission support.

## Summary by Line Office

| Line Office$ are obligations(incl. mandatory) | FY2006 Enacted | FY 2007 President’s Budget | FY 2008 Net Changes | FY 2008 President’s Request | Percent Changeover ’07 PB |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NOS | $590 | $413 | $55 | $468 | 13.3% |
| NMFS | $804 | $737 | $59 | $796 | 8.0% |
| OAR | $380 | $349 | $20 | $369 | 5.7% |
| NWS | $848 | $882 | $21 | $903 | 2.4% |
| NESDIS | $952 | $1,034 | ($56) | $978 | (5.4%) |
| PS/OMAO | $491 | $406 | $36 | $442 | 8.9% |
| Financing | ($154) | ($137) | ($4) | ($141) | — |
| Total | $3,911 | $3,684 | $131 | $3,815 | 3.4% |

- ($ in millions)

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Largest growth is in NOS, primarily to support IOOS and management of the new NW Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, as well as ocean research and coastal land conservation.

NMFS increases support Limited Access Privilege Programs for commercial fishers, implementing Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization requirements, working with partners to restore the Penobscot River to rebuild Atlantic salmon stocks, and advancing domestic aquaculture.

OAR increases support hurricane intensity research, further use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and assessment of Atlantic ocean circulation influences on abrupt climate change.  

NWS increase includes O&M funding for weather data buoys and emergency back-up systems received in the hurricane supplemental, and support to further strengthen the U.S. Tsunami Warning Program.

NESDIS decrease is related to planned reductions in the funding for GOES and NPOESS.

Program Support increases, including that for Marine and Aviation Operations, includes funds to continue construction of the Pacific Islands Center and design the replacement laboratory for the La Jolla Fisheries facility, as well as operational costs for NOAA vessels and new P-3 aircraft.

## National Sea Grant College Program Budget

|  | FY 2006 Enacted | FY 2007 Pres. Bud. Request | FY 2008 Total Adjustments to Base | FY 2008 Program Changes | FY 2008 Pres. Bud. Request | FY 2006 Enacted vs. FY 2008 Request |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Sea Grant College Program Base | $49,310 | $50,285 | $2,900 | — | $54,900 | $5,590 |
| Fish Extension | $986 | $990 | — | — | — | ($986) |
| Aquatic Nuisance Species/Zebra Mussel Research | $986 | $990 | — | — | — | ($986) |
| Gulf of Mexico Oyster Initiative | $986 | $990 | — | — | — | ($986) |
| National Sea Grant Law Center | $1,480 | $598 | — | — | — | ($1,480) |
| Oyster Disease Research | $986 | $990 | — | — | — | ($986) |
| Total | 54,734 | 54,843 | 2,900 | 0 | 54,900 | 166 |

- ($ in thousands)

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Panel’s concern about Sea Grant’s budget is grave.  The circumstances underlying this concern are as follows:
  Budget for Sea Grant was 62-65 million in 2005.  This was cut to 55 million in 2006 for undisclosed reasons.  Sea Grant lost 5-6 staff that year and have not been able to replace them due to budget constraints. 
  In 2006, national Sea Grant office protected programs by cutting a few of them or providing 11 months of funding instead of 12.
  In 2007 if Sea Grant receives 55 million again, programs could be cut 5-15%.
  Friends of NOAA Coalition—Sea Grant is an integral part of this coalition, with the idea that if it participates in fighting for NOAA’s overall budget, Sea Grant itself will benefit.  That is, Sea Grant feels it has helped make NOAA whole and wants to know that, in turn, NOAA will make Sea Grant whole. 

Expect the following budgetary questions:
  Does NOAA plan to use any of its FY 07 discretionary funds to boost Sea Grant’s capacity to survive during the current Fiscal Year?
  Sea Grant needs to compete for these funds by demonstrating its value, both internally and externally.  Highlighting your activities both within the NOAA family and to external partners, in addition to continuing to produce quality people and work-product, will help to ensure funding. 
Compete for ORPP money (Dr. Spinrad will cover ORPP)
  For FY 08, will NOAA submit a budget that sustains Sea Grant’s national excellence? 
  See graph: FY 08 President’s Budget has Sea Grant funded at 54,900.
  Why is it that Sea Grant is level-funded when about $140 million is going to the Ocean Initiative in the FY ’08 budget, yet the Ocean Commission report says Sea Grant’s budget should be doubled?
  FY 08 Budget reflects NOAA’s highest priorities. 
  Ocean Action Plan— Sea Grant is mentioned a number of times in the OAP.  What are the practical implications?  Specifically, does this mean Sea Grant will receive more funding, or does this mean Sea Grant is expected to perform the enumerated tasks with its reduced budget?  
  See graph: FY 08 President’s Budget has Sea Grant receiving a small increase from the FY 07 President’s Budget Request.
  Per Dr. Spinrad:  FY 08 President’s Budget requests $123M in increases to support the OAP.  $60M of that figure is for ocean science and research.  What role could Sea Grant play?  Regional Research Plans could provide a roadmap for OAP implementation. 

## U.S. Ocean Action Plan 

- U.S. Ocean Action Plan

- Administration’s Response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
- U.S. Ocean Action Plan (OAP)
- December 17, 2004
- Executive Order: Committee on Ocean Policy
- U.S. Ocean Action Plan
- _[http://ocean.ceq.gov](http://ocean.ceq.gov/)_
- OAP Implementation Update
- January, 2007
- _[http://](http://ocean.ceq.gov/)__[ocean.ceq.gov](http://ocean.ceq.gov/)_

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
U.S. Ocean Action Plan
On December 17, 2004, President Bush submitted the “U.S. Ocean Action Plan” to Congress in response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recommendations.
The U.S. Ocean Action Plan:
  summarizes the Administration’s ongoing actions to advance ocean policy as the Commission deliberated;
  identifies additional near-term actions that provide direction for ocean policy;
  outlines comprehensive, long-term actions for the future; and
  improves governance between Federal, state, local and tribal authorities

Implementation Update
In January 2007, the U.S. Ocean Action Plan Implementation Update was released.  The Update details the administration’s progress in addressing and achieving the goals outlined in the OAP and demonstrates the critical role state, local, territorial, and tribal partners have played in implementing the Plan. NOAA has played a key role in OAP implementation, acting as lead or co-lead on roughly half of the 88 assigned items in the plan.  Among the notable successes are:
Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act:  
  Congress reauthorized MSA in December. It was signed into law by President on January 12, 2007.
  MSA is the foremost bill that governs fishery management activities in federal waters.
  Enactment of this bill is one of the top priorities of the Ocean Action Plan.
  Reauthorized MSA strengthens NOAA’s ability to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and work collaboratively on conservation.
Designation of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Monument:
  The monument encompasses nearly 140,000 square miles of U.S. waters, making it the largest marine conservation area on Earth. 

## Supporting the U.S. Ocean Action Plan

| 

 | Request Amount | Program Change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Integrated Ocean Observing System | $16.4 | +$16.4 |
| Aquaculture Program | $4.1 | +$3.0 |
| Limited Access Privilege Programs | $6.0 | +$6.0 |

- Coastal and marine waters generate over $63B annually in goods and services

- ($ in millions)

- U.S. Ocean Action Plan & Potential Relevance to Sea Grant

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Ocean Action Plan activities potentially relevant to Sea Grant...

Integrated Ocean Observing System 
FY ’08 Budget Includes +$2.5M for Data Management and Communications 
Interoperable data enables new products & decision support tools, improved storm surge models & hazard warning systems.
Enables NOAA to integrate 11 out of 20 core variables collected from NOAA observing platforms interoperable by 2012 (first 3 by FY08, first 5 by FY09)
FY06:  $7.4M; FY07:  $0M;  FY08:  $2.5M
Includes +$11.5M for IOOS Regional Observations 
Supports development of regional component of IOOS through competitive grants and contracts to 11 IOOS regions. 
NOAA is standing up an IOOS program office—Zdenka Willis in NOS

Aquaculture Program +$3.0M
Annual seafood trade deficit is nearly $8B, with 40% of imported seafood coming from aquaculture
$3.0M to develop the regulatory program called for in the Administration’s National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2005; hires an Aquaculture Scientist & Aquaculture Coordinator to develop regulations and standards for permit approval & monitoring
FY06:  $1.0M; FY07:  $1.0M;  FY08:  $3.0M

Limited Access Privilege Programs +$6.0M
$6.0M to develop, implement and operate Limited Access Privilege programs. 
In FY08, Gulf of Mexico red snapper and Atlantic Tilefish LAPPs will be operational
Supports development and implementation of a DAP for west coast groundfish fishery
Funding hires statisticians, technical information specialists & fisheries mgmt specialists
This will bring the total number of fully operational LAPPs to 12, on track to meet Ocean Action Plan goal of 16 by 2010 
FY06:  $122.4M; FY07:  $131.6M;  FY08:  $151.0M (as part of the Fisheries Research and Management Program)
FY06:  $0M; FY07 $0M; FY08 $6.0M (LAPPs portion of Fisheries Research and Management Program line)

In light of the above figures, expect the following questions:
Is there a plan for outreach for IOOS and what, if any, will Sea Grant’s role be in this respect?
What is NOAA’s vision for Sea Grant’s continued participation in aquaculture programs? 
How can Sea Grant get involved with the Limited Access Privilege Programs?

## Legislative Priorities—110th Congress

- NOAA Organic Act
- National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007
- Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Amendments Act of 2007
- Cooperative Conservation of Marine, Estuarine, Coastal, and Riverine Habitats Act of 2007

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
NOAA Organic Act 
The NOAA Organic Act provides a basic foundation of authorities to conduct the activities needed to meet the missions of the agency. While there are dozens of single laws authorizing some of NOAA’s activities, there is no central authority that lays out the mission and general functions of the agency.
National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007
The National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007 provides the necessary authority to the Secretary of Commerce for the establishment, implementation, and enforcement of a comprehensive regulatory system for offshore aquaculture in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. Right now, most U.S. marine aquaculture products come from shellfish, which are grown onshore or in coastal areas. Offshore aquaculture development can help meet the growing demand for seafood and create jobs that contribute to economic development.
Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Amendments Act of 2007
In 2000, Congress enacted the Coral Reef Conservation Act (CRCA), which provided NOAA the authority to undertake a number of activities to understand, manage and protect coral reef ecosystems.  The Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Amendments Act of 2007 will reauthorize the CRCA for five years and make changes to improve the ability of the NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program to allow the most effective and efficient protection of coral reef ecosystems.
Cooperative Conservation of Marine, Estuarine, Coastal, and Riverine Habitat Act of 2007
The proposed legislation will promote marine, estuarine, coastal, and riverine habitat conservation through cooperative partnerships and regional planning. Executive Order #13352 (August 2004) entitled “Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation” directs several cabinet agencies, including the Department of Commerce, to implement laws relating to environmental and natural resource stewardship in a manner that promotes cooperative interactions with stakeholders, with an emphasis on local inclusion.  Working cooperatively with constituents and others to achieve stewardship goals is routine within NOAA and predates the issuance of the Executive Order.  However, by ensuring clear and flexible statutory authority for current NOAA programs that generally are authorized under several different authorities NOAA’s cooperative conservation efforts will be enhanced.

## Opportunities for Sea Grant

- Support for Ocean Action Plan (OAP) Objectives
- IOOS
- Aquaculture
- Limited Access Privilege Programs
- Unite/bring scientific expertise to the development of new technologies
- Find ways to engage colleges and universities
- Continue integrated approach to research, outreach and education
- Expand NOAA’s Authority to Education and Outreach

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Rationale:

 Sea Grant’s primary niche is the engagement of colleges and universities.  

  Sea Grant has the capacity to bring scientific expertise to the development of new technologies.

  Sea Grant is able to find new ways to engage the scientific, academic, and governmental communities and bring talent and resources from both the federal and state structures to bear. 

  Our nation’s coastal issues require a regional approach.  By linking stakeholders through the Sea Grant network,  the reach of NOAA’s, outreach, research, and education efforts is extended and amplified.  That is, Sea Grant’s integrated approach (research, outreach and education) succeeds where more “traditional” approaches fail.

## The Way Forward

- Unique Capabilities of Sea Grant
- Value of Sea Grant to NOAA

- Advancing the “One NOAA” Vision

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Sea Grant Capabilities Give it Great Value to NOAA:
Sea Grant has capabilities in a broad spectrum of areas due to its unique access to scientists, educators, and government officials.
Sea Grant is a mechanism for regional collaboration.
Sea Grant can facilitate the communication of local input up the NOAA chain.
Sea Grant network has ability to solve problems at the local level. 
Sea Grant can tap into an array of academic and technical expertise. 

“One NOAA”
Sea Grant is an Important Part of the NOAA Family.  NOAA views Sea Grant as a family member rather than an external partner.  
However, it is important for Sea Grant to realize that the success of the “One NOAA” vision requires reciprocity.  That is, Sea Grant must view itself as an integral part of NOAA and must portray this image internally and externally—Sea Grant must see themselves primarily as an extension of NOAA, not an autonomous body. 
Sea Grant needs to show its value to other members of the NOAA family in order to compete successfully for funding.  Highlighting Sea Grant activities both inside and outside of NOAA and continuing to produce quality people and work-product will help to ensure funding. 
Challenge:  continue to capitalize on your strengths and make meaningful and lasting contributions to advancing Vice Admiral Lautenbacher’s “One NOAA” vision. 

## Summary

- NOAA Services Are Critical to the Nation
- FY’08 Budget Request Funds NOAA’s Highest Priorities
- Support from Our Constituents and Congress is Critical
- Sea Grant Participation in Friends of NOAA Coalition
- Other Issues
- May 2007 Stakeholders’ Meeting to be Held on FY’10
- Geraldine Knatz and Frank Kudrna are on the Science Advisory Board
- SES Themes:  Integrated Ecosystem Assessments, Integrated Water Resource Services, and Hazard Resilient Coastal Communities.

- National Sea Grant Review—Semiannual Winter Meeting

**Notes:**
Expect the following questions:

Because the Sea Grant Review Panel advises the NOAA Administrator, the DOC Secretary, and the National Sea Grant College Program Director on all aspects of the National Sea Grant College Program, what might the Panel do to have a more effective influence and impact on NOAA decisions regarding Sea Grant? 
How Sea Grant can be more useful in helping NOAA substantively educate the public and Congress? 
It is the Panel’s perception that the nation-wide Sea Grant network is, at best, nominally utilized by NOAA. What are your suggestions on how Sea Grant can be more effective in helping NOAA achieve its goals? 

Suggested Responses:
Important for Sea Grant to demonstrate its value both internally and externally.
Sea Grant must be aware that OMB favors more competitive programs and that NOAA is competing against other agencies (e.g., NIST) for budget increases.
Important to educate Congress about program evaluation and the Panel’s role. 
Friends of NOAA Coalition—Sea Grant is an integral part of this coalition, with the idea that if it participates in fighting for NOAA’s overall budget, Sea Grant itself will benefit.  Send message that NOAA appreciates Sea Grant’s efforts in supporting the NOAA budget.  Suggest that Panel members continue their efforts to educate and inform members of Congress. 
The challenge is to 
Organize constituents to support NOAA overall 
Make DOC understand the value of Sea Grant and of NOAA 
Educate NOAA about Sea Grant’s extension and communication abilities