National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978

(Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H. Rept. 95-626 (Part II))

Ocean Pollution Research and Monitoring Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prepare a comprehensive three-year plan relating to Federal ocean pollution research and monitoring, to be submitted to the Congress and the President within one year of the date of enactment. Sets forth the content of such plans.

Directs the Administrator to identify priorities for the Federal program relating to ocean pollution research and monitoring. Provides that the Administrator shall insure that results, findings, and information concerning Federal programs shall be disseminated in a timely manner and in useful forms, to interested parties. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance in the form of grants or contracts for certain research and monitoring projects. Provides that activities supported by such grants or contracts shall be administered through existing Federal programs, to the maximum extent possible.

Requires the Administrator to submit to the Congress and the President an annual report on the status of Federal ocean pollution research and monitoring.

States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to amend, restrict, or otherwise alter the authority of any Federal agency or department, under any law, to undertake research related to ocean pollution.

Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the purposes of this Act.