Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

Key Points

• Congress would renew and update NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, making it NOAA’s main point of contact for Bay work.
• The bill sets clearer leadership duties for the Office Director and requires regular reports to Congress on progress and next steps.
• It encourages more monitoring and data-sharing in the Bay, including tools like the Chesapeake Bay interpretive buoy system for weather and ecology info.
• It allows NOAA to run or expand Bay-focused education and training, including grants for student learning, teacher training, and internships.
• It supports projects to protect and restore Bay habitats and species like oysters, blue crabs, underwater grasses, and key fish through grants and partnerships.