WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the introduction of H.R. 9705, the Oyster Reef Recovery Act, to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish competitive grants to encourage research on the conservation of oyster reefs. By doing so, this bipartisan legislation, which she introduced alongside Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), would reaffirm oyster preservation as a priority for the NOAA.

“Like many Southeast Virginians, I’ve seen firsthand the positive effects oyster reefs have on our coastlines and our local economy,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “That’s why I introduced the Oyster Reef Recovery Act. My bipartisan bill would allocate existing funding to critical conversation programs that support the restoration and management of our oceans’ oyster reefs. I’m proud to be leading the effort to preserve the oyster reefs that play such an important role in our estuarine ecosystems and our coastal communities!”

“From New York to Puerto Rico to California, oyster reefs are vital to our local economies, ocean ecosystems, and climate resilience,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “I’m proud to spearhead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Kiggans, establishing a program within NOAA to assess threats to oyster reefs and implement critical restoration and conservation efforts. These ecosystems are essential not just for our environment, but for the prosperity of our communities.”

“Anglers love oyster reefs, as they provide excellent fish habitat and improve water quality,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of the American Sportfishing Association. “On behalf of the recreational fishing industry, thank you to Reps. Kiggans and Ocasio-Cortez for championing the Oyster Reef Recovery Act, which will expand oyster reef restoration projects around the nation for the benefit of the marine environment and all who depend on it.”

“The Oyster Reef Recovery Act will help conserve and restore oyster reefs, which are essential for sportfish habitat, clean water, and healthy aquatic ecosystems,” said Chris Macaluso, director of the Center for Marine Fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We thank Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Kiggans for their commitment to bolstering our coastal economies and fisheries.”

Specifically, the legislation would create the “Oyster Reef Restoration and Conservation Program” and authorize $15,000,000 under existing authority for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The program would allow members of the academic community, the shellfish industry, non-profit organizations, private entities, and state agencies to apply for these grants and use the funding to explore opportunities for further conservation and management of oysters in estuarine ecosystems. Additionally, the program would identify priorities for oyster reef restoration and evaluate the health and threats to oyster reefs through mapping and water quality monitoring. 

The Oyster Reef Recovery Act is endorsed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Billion Oyster Project, the American Sportfishing Association, Save The Sound, and Native Olympia Oyster Collaborative. 

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