Ocean and Coastal Resources Act

(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 13035 passed in lieu)

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

=Title I:= Redesignates the National Sea Grant College and Program Act as the National Sea Grant Act. Defines terms used in such Act, including: "coastal resource," "fields related to ocean and coastal resources," "marine environment," and "ocean resource.

Requires maintenance within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the National Sea Grant Program which shall promote research, education, training, and information dissemination in fields related to ocean and coastal resources. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into contracts and to make grants of up to two-thirds of the costs, to sea grant colleges, State or local sea grant programs, institutions of higher education, laboratories, and other public or private entities in fields related to ocean and coastal resources.

Requires the Director of the program to establish and apply long-range planning guidelines for the administration of the national sea grant program, administer and evaluate programs conducted under grants and contracts under such Act, and provide support for sea grant fellowships.

Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through such program, sea grant colleges, and regional consortia, which shall conduct research, education, training, or advisory services in fields relevant to understanding, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources.

Directs the Director 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 on grants and contracts and operation of sea grant colleges and consortia under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint the members of the committee with the advice of the Administrator of NOAA.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 to carry out the provisions of such Act.

=Title II: Ocean and Coastal Resources Act = - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to improve understanding, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources and marine environment.

Requires establishment of the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Places an Associate Administrator of NOAA in charge of the Office, and requires him to develop and implement a program for marine resources, science, and technology within NOAA; provide financial assistance for research and development projects; make recommendations to the Administrator of NOAA on the budgetary requests of the various ocean and coastal programs in NOAA relating to marine resources, science, and technology; and assist the Administrator in the maintenance of an information service for dissemination to potential users of the results of marine research.

Requires the Administrator, with the assistance of the Associate Administrator, through the Office, to prepare a six-year plan for marine resources, science, and technology research, development, and demonstration; and the practical application and dissemination of the knowledge gained from such research and development.

Authorizes the Associate Administrator to identify specific national needs and problems in fields related to ocean and coastal resources, and to enter into grants and contracts, of up to 100 percent of the cost thereof, with respect to such needs and problems. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1979.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 with which the Administrator may provide financial assistance in the form of grants or contracts to enhance the marine science and technology capability of foreign nations and encourage international sharing of information with regard to marine science and technology.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress by February 15 each year on the status and prospects for marine resources, science, and technology within NOAA. Grants the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere (NACOA)) an opportunity to review and comment on each such report before submission.

Establishes a NOAA distinguished research award of $10,000.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 to carry out this Act.