Trump Budget Proposal Targets NOAA Cuts, Climate Research and Fisheries Protections

The Trump administration’s draft budget proposes slashing NOAA’s funding by 27%, threatening climate research, marine conservation programs, and shifting focus toward energy development. (Image Credits: X | @WhiteHouse)

The Trump administration is planning to make cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to a draft budget. The plan will reduce NOAA’s fudning by $1.67 billion. This amount represents about 27% of its current budget.

This cut to the budget could severely impact and reshape the agency’s focus. It will limit climate change research and shift its priorities towards energy development.

NOAA Research Division Faces Shutdown

One of the most significant changes in the proposal is the closure of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). This division handles NOAA’s climate change studies and environmental research. Programs under threat include regional climate data collection, research labs, and collaborations with scientific institutions.

About $480 million would be cut from these efforts. Only $170 million would be preserved to support weather forecasting and ocean exploration. NOAA plays a key role in climate and weather monitoring and manages US commercial fisheries.

Also read: Trump Administration to End Climate Assessment Contract

Fisheries Services Shift Toward Energy Support

The proposal also suggests that NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reduce its focus on wildlife protection. Responsibilities like endangered species and marine mammal protection would move to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Programs to be defunded include species recovery grants, habitat restoration, and interjurisdictional fisheries management. The administration wants NMFS to prioritize permits and consultations that support energy development goals.

Environmental Groups Concerned

Environmental advocates have strongly opposed the proposed cuts. Critics argue that this plan would weaken protections for marine life and coastal communities.

Opponents stress that communities rely on NOAA for accurate weather forecasts, healthy fisheries, and climate data. They are urging Congress to block the proposal and maintain support for NOAA's full mission.