April showers brought another NERRd call to action: The FY 2024 President’s Budget did not increase the NERRS operations budget from FY 2023, and it cut the NERRS PAC budget by nearly half.

With the NERR System growing, a flat FY 2024 operations budget means cuts to all Reserves and our programs. But there is reason to hope! By doubling down our efforts to educate, we can change the situation. The President’s budget is only a request to Congress; Congress will determine NERRS funding through the FY 2024 Appropriations Act. 

That’s why we are calling on all friends of Reserves to share this impact statement with partners and members of Congress by the end of May. It provides an overview of the impact of the President’s Budget on our Reserves. 

On the brighter side, NOAA announced Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged Inflation Reduction Act funding last week. In the Reserve System, $23 million was awarded, including $20.2 million for 13 projects, as well $2.8 million to support capacity-building within Reserves.

Finally, NERRA President Jace Tunnell, director of the Mission-Aransas Reserve in Texas, submitted written public testimony to the House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees. In addition, NERRA joined with its coast and ocean partners from the Coastal States Organization, the Integrated Ocean Observing System Association, the Sea Grant Association, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in submitting a joint written public testimony to House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees.