Climate-ready fisheries innovation program

(a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a program to develop innovative tools and approaches designed to increase the adaptive capacity of fishery management to the impacts of climate change. (b) Duties In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— (1) develop science and management tools and approaches that address regional and national priorities to improve the conservation and management of fishery resources under existing and anticipated climate impacts; (2) provide for routine input from fishery managers and scientists in order to maximize opportunities to incorporate results of the program in fishery management actions; (3) promote adoption of methods developed under the program in fishery management plans developed by the Councils; (4) provide information and outreach to the private and academic sectors to encourage development and operationalization of tools and approaches to manage the effects of climate change on fisheries; and (5) provide information and outreach to fishery participants to increase understanding and encourage adoption and use of tools and approaches developed under the program. (c) Coordination of program (1) In general In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish a process to ensure coordination with and outreach to— (A) regional offices and science centers of the National Marine Fisheries Service; (B) the Councils; (C) the scientific and statistical committees of the Councils; and (D) the heads of other relevant programs, including the cooperative research and management program established under section 318 (16 U.S.C. 1867), the Integrated Ocean Observing System, and programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration designed to address ocean acidification. (2) Identification of research priorities (A) In general Coordination carried out under paragraph (1) should include identification of multiyear research priorities to study and understand the current and anticipated impacts of climate change on fisheries, fisheries interactions, habitats, fishery participants, fishing communities, seafood markets, fisheries science and monitoring, or other relevant priorities. (B) Review The Administrator, in coordination with the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1), should routinely review the priorities identified under subparagraph (A) in a timeframe not to exceed 5 years and updated as necessary. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.