Last week, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation (Ocean ROI) Act to support coastal communities and the blue economy through research, development, job creation, and private-sector partnerships. The bill was introduced by Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
The proposed legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish “Ocean Innovation Clusters” in various regions across the United States. These clusters would be designated in each of the five NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as in the Gulf of America region and the Great Lakes region. The bill also includes provisions for competitive grants to support these clusters at the federal level.
Rep. Salazar emphasized her commitment to preserving Florida’s coasts, stating, “Miami’s beautiful coasts and pristine waters provide Florida with billions in tourism and commerce every year.” She expressed pride in reintroducing legislation aimed at promoting Miami’s development through sustainable ocean use.
Rep. Pingree highlighted the importance of federal partnerships for ocean innovation amid challenges from climate change policies. She stated that Congress must step up efforts to invest in the Blue Economy: “The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to invest in our Blue Economy.”
Senator Murkowski pointed out that a strong blue economy requires coordination and creativity: “This effort doesn’t just focus on the untapped economic potential of our blue economy but also ensures that collaboration is at the center.”
Senator Cantwell noted Washington’s existing maritime efforts: “Washington’s ocean cluster, called Maritime Blue, is working hard to solve complex challenges facing our economy.” She added that this bill would build on their success by creating new grant programs.
Daniel Kleinman from Seaworthy Collective expressed excitement about bipartisan support for regional ocean innovation clusters: “Regional innovation clusters bring credibility, coordination, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Patrick Arnold from New England Ocean Cluster stressed strategic policy support for blue economy ventures: “Strategic policy support can help accelerate innovation…positioning the United States as a global leader.”
Matt Classen from TMA BlueTech supported the act’s reintroduction as pivotal for bolstering America’s maritime industrial base: “By promoting cross-sector collaboration…the Act complements national efforts like SHIPS for America Act.”
