Trump Administration, House Republicans Propose to Further Slash NOAA Budget
Cuts Would Threaten Coastal Communities, Fisheries, Marine Wildlife, and Ocean Habitat
Press Release Date: May 5, 2026
Location: WASHINGTON
Contact:
Jamie Karnik | email: jkarnik@oceana.org | tel: 907-635-8722
The Trump administration and House Republicans have both proposed significant cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget, building on previous cuts that have made it harder for the agency to carry out its mission.
The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal would eliminate more than $1.1 billion from the NOAA budget — a 17% reduction overall. A detailed description of that proposal includes cutting $77 million for fisheries management and science, which would be on top of 2026 reductions and the loss of more than 400 staff members last year that have already undermined NOAA Fisheries.
Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee recently released their Fiscal Year 2027 bill that would include a smaller — but still damaging — cut to NOAA operations of around 5.2% from last year.
“Cuts to NOAA are a direct threat to America’s fisheries, wildlife, coastal economies, and food security for thousands of people,” said Oceana Vice President Beth Lowell. “Last year, the Trump administration attempted to slash the NOAA budget. Congress rejected most of the proposed cuts, yet now the administration and some lawmakers are at it again. If passed, these new cuts would further jeopardize NOAA’s ability to function, putting our oceans, fisheries, wildlife, and communities at risk. Congress needs to step in, once again, to fully fund NOAA.”
NOAA Fisheries manages more than 500 fish stocks in U.S. waters, including salmon, cod, halibut, crab, and other species central to the economic livelihood and quality of life for many coastal Americans. In 2023 alone, U.S. commercial and recreational fishing generated $319 billion combined in sales and supported nearly 2.1 million American jobs.
Leadership at NOAA Fisheries has publicly stated that existing funding levels are inadequate to manage all of America’s fisheries and that managers must minimize their important work in coming years.
In addition to funding cuts, the administration’s proposal would transfer the Office of Protected Resources, which protects endangered species like North Atlantic right whales and leatherback sea turtles, from NOAA to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It would also eliminate more than 200 staff positions and millions of dollars of funding for the program.
The House bill includes a policy rider that would eliminate funding to enforce vessel speed restrictions meant to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales and Rice’s whales. These changes will likely lead to further declines of endangered animal populations already on the brink of extinction.
If adopted, the administration’s proposed budget would mean a loss of 1,450 overall staff positions at NOAA largely focused on research on fish populations, marine wildlife, ocean currents, weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.
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Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
