§3613 Blue Economy valuation

Summary

Create a program to gather and study data so we can measure how industries tied to the Great Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts affect the U.S. economy. The Administrator must work with other federal agencies (including the Bureau of Economic Analysis) and with national and international partners. The work covers many sectors such as military uses, fishing and seafood, shipping and ports, offshore energy and minerals, shipbuilding, tourism and recreation, aquaculture, marine construction, and other industries the Administrator finds relevant. The goal is to build a coastal and ocean economic account with national, Tribal, and State-level numbers and to use compatible methods so results can be compared across countries. Within 2 years after December 23, 2022, and every 2 years after that until 20 years after that date, the Administrator must publish a report. The report must define the Blue Economy with Tribal and expert input, suggest updates to industry reporting codes, and give a detailed estimate of the Blue Economy’s value for each State and territory. That estimate must include activities that rely on coastal waters, coastal population and demographics, port and shoreline infrastructure, cargo volume and value, commercial data products from the waters (like weather forecasting), military uses, and, when possible, the value of natural capital for tourism, recreation, natural resources, and cultural heritage. Also, within 180 days after December 23, 2022, the Administrator must create and keep up a public website about resilience grant opportunities. The site must list links, deadlines, help resources, and contacts, including specific help for Tribal Governments and Tribal Colleges and Universities and for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Definitions: Historically Black Colleges and Universities — the federal “part B institution” meaning. Tribal College or University — the federal definition under title 20.