Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009
Term Dictionary
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Summary
Congress moves to extend and expand the Marine Turtle Conservation Act through 2014. The bill removes restrictions that previously limited funding to foreign countries only, allowing up to 20% of conservation funds to support marine turtle projects in U.S. states and territories. It also raises the maximum grant amount from $80,000 to $150,000 per project.
Overview
- Reauthorizes the Marine Turtle Conservation Act, extending federal funding for marine turtle protection programs from 2009 through 2014.
- Expands eligible project locations to include U.S. states, territories, and tribal lands—previously only foreign countries qualified.
- Passed the House and reported out of Senate committee without amendments.
Who does this affect?
- Conservation organizations working to protect sea turtles in U.S. coastal states (Florida, Hawaii, California, Texas) and territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam).
- State wildlife agencies and tribal governments that can now apply for federal grants.
- Marine turtle populations (loggerheads, leatherbacks, green turtles) that nest on U.S. beaches.
- Teen impact score: 4/10 (minimal but tangible relevance to environmental education and coastal communities)
What This Bill Does
- Strikes language from the 2004 Act that restricted conservation projects to "foreign countries," opening eligibility to U.S. states and territories (amends 16 U.S.C. 6601, 6602, 6603).
- Defines "State" to include all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, other U.S. territories, and Indian tribes (adds new paragraph to 16 U.S.C. 6602).
- Raises maximum grant award from $80,000 to $150,000 per project (amends 16 U.S.C. 6604(b)(2)).
- Caps U.S.-based projects at 20% of total annual fund allocation—at least 80% must still go to international conservation efforts (adds 16 U.S.C. 6604(b)(3)).
- Extends authorization period from fiscal years 2005-2009 to fiscal years 2009-2014 (amends 16 U.S.C. 6606).
Legislative Status
- Passed the House, received in Senate July 2009, referred to Environment and Public Works Committee.
- Reported out of committee April 2010 without amendments and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar.
In short
- Extends federal funding for marine turtle conservation programs through 2014.
- Allows U.S. states, territories, and tribes to receive grants for the first time—previously only foreign projects qualified.
- Increases maximum grant from $80,000 to $150,000 but limits U.S. projects to 20% of total funding.
- Protects endangered sea turtle species that nest on U.S. beaches and in international waters.
Why should I care?
Sea turtles face threats from habitat loss, fishing nets, plastic pollution, and climate change affecting nesting beaches. This bill brings federal conservation dollars home to protect turtle populations in states like Florida and Hawaii, where thousands of turtles nest each year. The 20% cap ensures most funding still supports international efforts in countries with larger turtle populations. For coastal communities, healthy turtle populations indicate clean oceans and thriving marine ecosystems that support fishing and tourism industries. Environmental science students may see more local research and volunteer opportunities as U.S. projects become eligible for federal grants.