Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 94-1556)

Sea Grant Program Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of the Congress to extend and strengthen the national sea grant program through this Act.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a national sea grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to assist sea grant programs or projects up to 66 2/3 percent of the cost of such programs or projects.

Requires the Secretary to identify specific national needs and problems related to ocean and coastal resources.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants up to 100 percent of the total cost of projects if such projects address such national needs or problems.

Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through such program, sea grant colleges, and regional consortia, which shall conduct research, education, training, and advisory services in any field relevant to ocean and coastal resources.

Directs the Secretary to support a sea grant fellowship program to provide educational and training assistance to undergraduates and graduates in fields related to ocean and coastal resources.

Establishes the independent committee to be known as the sea grant review panel, which shall advise the Director of the national sea grant program, the Administrator of NOAA and the Secretary on grants and contracts, and the sea grant fellowship program. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint the members of the committee.

Requires departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government to cooperate with NOAA by providing personnel, services, and facilities to NOAA to assist in achieving the objectives of this Act.

Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress and the President a comprehensive annual report on the activities of the national sea grant program for the preceding fiscal year.

Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of the National Sea Grant Program.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants and contracts with any sea grant college, institution of higher education, laboratory or institute within the United States to enhance the research and development capabilities of developing foreign nations and to promote the international exchange of information.