WaterWired

CRS Report: 'Columbia River Treaty Review'

On 29-30 November 2023 we had 8 hours of Zoom meetings on the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) that was ratified in 1964 and can be altered under certain conditions. Right now it covers just flood control and power generation. Salmon is also under consideration especially among indigenous people. I was remiss in not posting the CRS Report by Charles V. Stern that covers the  CRT (updated 15 February 2023): 'Columbia River Treaty Review'. 

Download CRT_Review_15Feb2023

I will publish the Summary and the maps.Click on the maps to enlarge them.

Summary
The Columbia River Treaty (CRT or Treaty) is an international agreement between the United States and Canada for the cooperative development and operation of the water resources of the Columbia River Basin to provide for flood control and electric power. The Treaty was the result of more than 20 years of negotiations between the two countries and was ratified in 1961. Implementation began in 1964.

The Treaty provided for the construction and operation of three dams in Canada and one dam in the United States whose reservoir extends into Canada. Together, these dams more than doubled the amount of reservoir storage available in the basin and provided significant flood protection benefits. In exchange for these benefits, the United States agreed to provide Canada with lump- sum cash payments and a portion of downstream hydropower benefits that are attributable to Canadian operations under the CRT, known as the Canadian Entitlement. Some have estimated the Canadian Entitlement to be worth as much as $335 million annually.

The CRT has no specific end date. Currently, either the United States or Canada can terminate most provisions of the CRT with a minimum of 10 years’ written notice. If the CRT is not terminated or modified, most of its provisions would continue indefinitely without actions by the United States or Canada. The only exception is the CRT’s flood control provisions, which are scheduled to transition automatically to “called-upon” operations at that time, meaning the United States would request and compensate Canada for flood control operations as necessary.

To date, neither country has given notice of termination, but, following internal government Treaty reviews, both countries indicated interest in its modification. Perspectives on the CRT vary. Some believe the Treaty should include stronger provisions related to tribal resources and flows for fisheries that are not in the Treaty; others disagree and focus on the perceived need to adjust the Canadian Entitlement to reflect actual hydropower benefits. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Bonneville Power Administration, in their joint role as the U.S. Entity overseeing the Treaty, undertook a review of the CRT from 2009 to 2013. Based on studies and stakeholder input, they provided a Regional Recommendation to the State Department in December 2013. They recommended continuing the Treaty with certain modifications, including rebalancing the CRT’s hydropower provisions, further delineating called-upon flood control operations after 2024, and incorporating into the Treaty flows to benefit Columbia River fisheries. For its part, the Canadian Entity (the Province of British Columbia) released in March 2013 a recommendation to continue the CRT with modifications “within the Treaty framework.” It disputed several assumptions in the U.S. Entity’s review process.

Following a two-year federal interagency review of the U.S. Regional Recommendation, the U.S. State Department finalized its negotiating parameters and authorized talks with Canada in October 2016. Between 2018 and 2022, U.S. and Canadian negotiating teams held 15 rounds of negotiations. As of the date of this report, these negotiations remain ongoing.

Past Congresses have held oversight hearings and weighed in on CRT-related activities through their oversight roles, and the 117th Congress enacted new authority for the Corps to carry out post-2024 called-upon flood control operations. If the executive branch comes to an agreement with Canadian officials regarding modification of the CRT, any changes to the CRT’s text would require the Senate’s advice and consent. If notice of Treaty termination is given, it is unclear whether such a notice would be reversible within the 10-year window and how Congress might inform such a decision.

Yesterday I posted a video by Robert T. Lackey on salmon issues. View it here.It is excellent - about 30 minutes long. 

Enjoy!

"If the salmon and steelhead are running, then as far as I am concerned, God knows that all is well in His world...the health of the environment is good if the salmon and steelhead are around. It is that simple." - Former Oregon Governor Tom McCall

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 25 November - 1 December 2023

Surprise!

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NOTE:

The format for these weekly summaries has been changed.

Enjoy!

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Starters
New look! TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 18 - 24 November 2023 https://bit.ly/46LgfGN #globalwater

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 22 (November -2 2023) – 161 articles https://bit.ly/49VDlwT #globalwater

Robert T. Lackey Opines: Columbia River Basin - How Would Ending Fishing and Closing Hatcheries Change Salmon Abundance? https://bit.ly/3RtPMsU #globalwater

Via G. Tracy Mehan III: @awwa - Government Affairs Overview and More! https://bit.ly/3N6TZzP #globalwater

From @USATODAY & @DinahVP - Climate Point - 30 Nov 2023. Bring on El Niño winter and say goodbye to hurricane season; Tribes guard the Klamath River's fish, water and lands as restoration begins at last. More! https://tinyurl.com/yps6yc55 #globalwater

From @AP: Leaked document says US is willing to build energy projects in case Snake River dams are breached. https://tinyurl.com/mt58h2e8 #snakeriver

From @KUNR Warming Mountain West winters threaten water supplies and ski industry. https://tinyurl.com/kx44ajf6 #cowater

In @EastOregonian: What the National Climate Report says about the Pacific Northwest https://tinyurl.com/m5b5numt #scicomm

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 27 November 2023 https://bit.ly/49V2wQf #scicomm

In @WLBeacon: Water consumption drops in Great Lake cities, study finds https://tinyurl.com/4jkzzpzk #GreatLakeswater

Books and More!
From @groundwaterproj: 'Groundwater Storage in Confined Aquifers'. Also in Farsi, Arabic, Italian and Portuguese. https://tinyurl.com/yc3d7sxj #groundwater

From @Nature: Five best science books this week https://tinyurl.com/yubf6n2c #scicomm

Drinking Water
From @SGVTribune: Pomona wins $30 million in lawsuit over perchlorate contamination in drinking water https://tinyurl.com/53npcu9a #cawater

In @washingtonpost: To protect children, @EPA wants total removal of lead pipes for the first time. https://tinyurl.com/y257mv9f #lead

Canada
It's @CanadianWater Newsletter - 27 Nov 2023. United for Huron; Business Cyber-Strategies; Sponsored: Incentivizing Innovation; More! https://tinyurl.com/7s8zeehf #cdnwater

From Blueprint to Bioswale - Free webinar from

@CanadianWater!

4 December, 11 AM EST. https://tinyurl.com/2rntsz56 #cdnwater

Today's Tunes
Today's Tune - 1 Dec 2023. Janis Joplin - 'Me and Bobby McGee'. With a bottle of Southern Comfort and her original group Big Brother and the Holding Company she came on like gangbusters. Born in Port Arthur, TX. Died @ 27 - heroin OD. R.I.P. https://youtu.be/OTHRg_iSWzM?si=-vp3UjLxiEBLJtfR… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 30 Nov 2023. Always liked this from Kenny Rogers: 'The Gambler' https://youtu.be/7hx4gdlfamo?si=yqM70tfO67-RF-ej… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 29 Nov 2023. America - 'Lonely People' https://youtu.be/A_OboeBSMdk?si=DKZfc-CNWzLuzP64… #aquadocaudio Another one from these folks: 'Sister Golden Hair'. https://youtu.be/4gibSb1_GGw?si=0pg9RjxV3Y5zKVQr… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 28 Nov 2023. I think Van Morrison is terribly underappreciated. 'Domino' is his tribute to New Orleans R&B and Fats Domino in particular. Could listen to this guy all day. Yes, 'Van The Man'! https://youtu.be/QOsGA4_Y89c?si=fH7BQgFlgFgC2sxk… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 27 Nov 2023. Great anti-war song by Eric Burdon & The Animals - 'Sky Pilot'. Played it on my @WCWM 'Midnight Hour'. Jerry would request it then chat. His last call: he was 'Nam-bound to be a 'sky pilot' - chopper pilot. https://youtu.be/laSJI58bMMM?si=pkf9hdG790NH2efW… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 26 Nov 2023. From 1971: It's 'Bang A Gong (Get It On)' by T. Rex featuring Marc Bolan. He was a pioneer of 'glam rock' and died just a few days shy of 30. Still made the R 'n' R HoF. https://youtu.be/Bkt-TPMU_lg?si=UUfRzuxeaimyeKts… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 25 Nov 2023. Alice Cooper 'Only Women Bleed' A poignant song from an unlikely source. You rock, Alice! https://youtu.be/pIrI0MPBUic?si=rzG14LluHBOC93tK… #aquadocaudio

Weekly News Media Water Reports
Oregon Water News Weekly - 27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ytuuutew #ORwater

Hawaii Water News Weekly - 27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5n6k3azs #HAwaii

Eugene Water News Weekly - 27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/usc3fva2 #EUGwate

Daily News Media Water Reports
California Water News Daily 
California Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023 https://tinyurl.com/3b89wbps #cawater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mvnyarrh #cawater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/34vwrrfn #cawater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4h6542sa #cawater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ycy9um4c #cawater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ujnzvab2 #cawater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3748r6vs #cawater

Colorado Water News Daily
Colorado Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4p8bpx4x #cowater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/22zn9ash #cowater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4r7fwyc7 #cowater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4v9ct7df #cowater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5dur23xf #cowater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/56vpjvn5 #cowater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/r9b2jsf6 #cowate

Portland Water News Daily
Portland Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bsfk9rj5 #PDXwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5hh4rapw #PDXwater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4w64ctdx #PDXwater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/m8rr33rs #PDXwater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/26p2xh4a #PDXwater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4z2bfzue #PDXwater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4z2bfzue #PDXwater

Florida Water News Daily
Florida Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yc2cxntc #FLwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2yvek792 #FLwater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2hzy7w28 #FLwater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/srde69vz #FLwater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/57uuhpu5 #FLwater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yc2xefa9 #FLwater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yc2xefa9 #FLwater

Midcontinent US Water News Daily
Midcontinent US Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwaz3tbh #MCUSwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ywe6hsm9 #MCUSwater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ycyjfmtf #MCUSwater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bdauh9ke #MCUSwater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/39fh94xx #MCUSwater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4yp8wksf #MCUSwater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2wacdvr2 #MCUSwater

Southeast US Water News Daily
Southeast US Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p8pwypv #SEUSwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yckb2vck #SEUSwater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwy97m65 #SEUSwater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mve4frx7 #SEUSwater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yc7y3zta #SEUSwater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4r43acjd #SEUSwater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3fhwhkrn #SEUSwater

Southwest US Water News Daily
Southwest US Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2s3rruc3 #SWUSwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p9e5nr4 #SWUSwater

 

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/y3d4wkxr #SWUSwater

 

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2s36f9wc #SWUSwater

 

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3rr6rwej #SWUSwater

 

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mw6btyz3 #SWUSwater

 

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3tw6j6nb #SWUSwater

Northeast US Water News Daily
Northeast US Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p8xeh3x #NEWater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5akdmsh9 #NEWater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4chjh59b #NEWater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/y54532rh #NEWater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/evnpe4u4 #NEWater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/hsw4u4nb #NEWater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/595avbjb #NEWater

Pacific Northwest Water News Daily
Pacific Northwest Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/56tm2pzf #PNWater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/26czwv63 #PNWater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ye8azmh5 #PNWater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4tu739cd #PNWater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mr48jmrt #PNWater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bdhc4j6h #PNWater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/58mkf57x #PNWater

Texas Water News Daily
Texas Water News Daily - 1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwtft7pc #txwater

30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/592jvr5j #txwater

29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5bx9ud7b #txwater

28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mprwcfcp #txwater

27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/459jdzwp #txwater

26 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yky82d9p #txwater

25 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/42v3ey98 #txwater

California-Centric Stuff
The @CA_DWR Water News-->1 Dec 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ycxrtkc9 #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News -->30 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bdhtw2fz #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News-->29 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/a7uanxe7 #cawater

The @CA_DWR California Water Plan eNews-->29 Nov 2023 https://tinyurl.com/2zvdhu74 #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News-->28 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4sxpta5x #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News-->27 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwx3n7ya #cawater

From @UCDavisHydro: 'California’s Amazing Terminal Lakes' https://tinyurl.com/mdnet8c9 #cawater

Nature Briefings

The @Nature Briefing - 1 Dec 2023. Penguins live on 1000s of microsleeps; Local teams make more breakthroughs;Human-cell robots might help us heal; Historic moment for loss & damage fund; Microbes in climate models? 5 best science books this week https://tinyurl.com/yubf6n2c #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing - 30 Nov 2023. How does it feel to have octopus arm? Swine flu appears mysteriously in UK; Biggest human genome set is now out; AI robot creates new materials; Solar panels might be getting upgrade; Super hot plasma stabilized https://tinyurl.com/yjxb5vjs #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing 29 Nov 2023.Sparrow expands brain before mating; Disabled scientists earn thousands less; ‘My collaborations would see me jailed’;Leak: UAE pushing fossil fuels @ COP' People who want to be infected;Climate coop can be local https://tinyurl.com/bddtdy7e #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing - 28 Nov 2023.Furor over ‘oldest pyramid’ claim; Anglerfish lives life upside down; Babies start learning language before birth; How to teach AI to find cells';How climate protests can sway policy;Complex math of sand drawing https://tinyurl.com/uj3d6mnd #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing - 27 Nov 2023. What’s behind China’s pneumonia wave? Why Staph makes us itchy; How to make waves eat themselves; How to make chemistry more accessible; Why we should embrace uncertainty; More! https://tinyurl.com/53fj3tnw #scicomm

Nature Quotes
Today's Quote (@Nature12/1/23) “Understanding and solving global health inequalities requires getting to the root causes of ugly social realities … What is needed is political willpower and just distribution of power and resources, not LLMs.” 1/2

Many researchers are feeling the pressure to jump on the bandwagon of large language models (LLMs), says cognitive scientist @AbebaBirhane — and many are not considering whether technology is an appropriate ‘solution’ to complex, multifaceted challenges. (2/2)

Today's Quote: “May participants in #COP28 be strategists who focus on the common good and the future of their children, rather than the vested interests of certain countries or businesses.May they demonstrate the nobility of politics & not its shame.” (1/2)

Pope Francis cancelled his trip to #COP28 sent a pointed message to negotiators on social media. The pivotal @UN climate meeting started today,with an early breakthrough on ‘loss & damage’ funding for poorer regions-idea that was an unexpected triumph of last year’s summit (2/2)

Today's Quote @Nature (11/29) “I was wondering if it would be acceptable to use sources from late 1900’s a final paper.”Historian John Penniman shared a funny e-mail from a student-leaving those of us who remember 1994 as if it was yesterday reeling at unintentional sick burn

Today's Quote (@Nature 11/28/23) “This material, no more than a teaspoon’s worth, will keep us busy for years.” Cosmic mineralogist Sara Russell is excited about receiving 100 milligrams of black dust brought back from the asteroid Bennu by @NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. (1/1)

Today's Quote (@Nature11/27/23)“If an earlier career person,or somebody in a less financially stable position,or with a less supportive family, or w/o those kinds of social connections, or a host of other things if they didn’t have those comforts and privileges that I had. (1/2)

Health researcher Chelsea Polis was sued by maker of Daysy fertility tracker after speaking out about misleading marketing.She won this year’s John Maddox Prize, given by charity Sense About Science & @Nature,for advancing science & evidence in face of difficulty/hostility. (2/2)

Other Quotes
"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." - Brazilian theologian @DomHelderIDHeC, quoted in @CNN via @TheWeek)

"You can move from a public college to a private university, from a secular college to a religious school, or from a comprehensive regional to an R1, but you can’t escape me!" - @ass_deans

"Thanksgiving is a time you count your blessings, one by one, as each relative goes home." - @MelanieWhite (quoted in @GHCookery via @TheWeek)

"If I were two-faced would I be showing you this one?" - Abraham Lincoln (quoted in the Gloucester Daily Times via @TheWeek)

"Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence." - Ovid

"Actually, the college is doing fine without the economists. We just assumed them away." - @ass_deans

"Whatever you have just done is not nearly as important as what you are doing right now." - Former @DukeMBB Coach Mike Krzyzewski, quoted in @FastCompany via @TheWeek

Water/Climate Jobs
From IISD: Climate Change Job Vacancies (8) -29 November 2023 https://bit.ly/46EZD34

Josh's Water Jobs and More! 28 November 2023 ~272 Jobs https://bit.ly/3sL7wGB #globalwater

From @IISD: Climate Change Job Vacancies - 17 November 2023 - 4 Positions https://bit.ly/47EfKPr

Journals, Newsletters, Podcasts

The @AZWRRC Weekly Wave Newsletter - 1 Dec 2023. IN THIS ISSUE: Meixner Conference Dedication, One Water Summit, Multi-State Salinity Coalition, National Climate Assessment, Yuma Ag Report. https://tinyurl.com/ycyn96xp #azwater

 

The @WaterNetwork Newsletter - 1 December 2023. Trending Technology~Editors Choice~Knowledge Exchange~Featured Jobs~Featured Events~Questions~More! https://tinyurl.com/5ekuj9du #scicomm

 

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 22 (November -2 2023) – 161 articles https://bit.ly/49VDlwT #globalwater

 

From @johoma of @Alliance4Water: Updates at #COP28UAE: https://tinyurl.com/25e53s4n #Cop28Dubai

 

The @Alliance4Water Policy Newsletter - 27 Nov 2023. At COP28 - Next AGWA Policy Group Call - AGWA hosts Water Initiative for Net Zero - More! https://tinyurl.com/bdcuebac #scicomm

 

From @thewaterloop: Episode #202: 'An Interview with ChatGPT' with Dr. Aqua. https://youtu.be/92kFotoEDBc #scicomm

 

Colorado/Columbia/Other River Basins

From @ByIanJames: New @latimes documentary out today. It follows our journey reporting along the Colorado River, from headwaters to dry end, and examines how the Southwest is grappling w/ the water crisis. Produced

@AlbertLeeInLA

https://tinyurl.com/5av2b64b #SWUSwater cc:

@WaterEdFdn

 

From @AP: Leaked document says US is willing to build energy projects in case Snake River dams are breached. https://tinyurl.com/mt58h2e8 #snakeriver

 

Robert T. Lackey Opines: Columbia River Basin - How Would Ending Fishing and Closing Hatcheries Change Salmon Abundance? https://bit.ly/3RtPMsU #globalwater

 

In @highcountrynews: What the fed’s new proposal for management of Colorado River reservoirs means. https://tinyurl.com/bdzjj7fu #coriver

 

In @SequimGazette Being Frank: Salmon recovery is working, but we can’t stop here. https://tinyurl.com/yw5ny23z #salmon

 

It's Sibley's Rivers 'Romancing the River We’ve Created' https://tinyurl.com/muxh7edx #water

 

From @AP: Tensions are bubbling up at thirsty Arizona alfalfa farms as foreign firms exploit unregulated water. https://tinyurl.com/3sfke5r4

 

Webinars and Events

It's @TheWaterChannel
Webinar - 6 December 2023, 11-12 noon CET (2 AM PST; 5 AM EST). Register: https://tinyurl.com/yckednzk #globalwater

Virtual Seminar: 'Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations after the Third Karabakh War' Monday, December 4, 2023; 12:00–1:15 p.m. (EST) https://tinyurl.com/yhvkkjus #caucusus

 

Congressional Research Service (CRS) and Other Reports

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer - USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations' https://bit.ly/3QNIIp6 #aquaculture

In @EastOregonian: What the National Climate Report says about the Pacific Northwest https://tinyurl.com/m5b5numt #scicomm

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 27 November 2023 https://bit.ly/49V2wQf #scicomm

In @WLBeacon: Water consumption drops in Great Lake cities, study finds https://tinyurl.com/4jkzzpzk #GreatLakeswater

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer: Support for Native Agricultural Producers' https://bit.ly/3sItBWf #FarmBills

 

CRS InFocus Report: 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) FY2024 Budget Request and Appropriations' https://bit.ly/3QTLw4q

 

CRS Insight Report: 'Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP)' https://bit.ly/3sxOhzX

 

Humor?

Really?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes, we know your research was mentioned by the late night talk shows. You do know they were making fun of it, right? That’s not the impact we are looking to have." - @ass_deans

 

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer - USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations'

Renée Johnson, who wrote the recent CRS Farm Bill report focused on Native Ag Producers, also authored (updated 22 November 2023) 'Farm Bill Primer: USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations'.

Download CRS_InFocus_Rpt_Farm_Bill_Primer_USDA_Support_Aqua_Ops_22Nov2023

Click on the graphics to enlarge them.

Introduction
Aquaculture facilities that grow aquatic animal and plant species in controlled or selected environments (as defined as 7 U.S.C. §3103) are generally eligible for support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) available to all U.S. farmers and ranchers and producers. In addition, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the farm bill; P.L. 115-334) reauthorized and expanded provisions specifically related to USDA’s aquaculture research and assistance programs. Congress may consider these and other related provisions as it continues to debate the next farm bill.

Overview of U.S. Aquaculture
Aquaculture is defined in statute as “the propagation and rearing of aquacultural species, including, but not limited to, any species of finfish, mollusk, or crustacean (or other aquatic invertebrate), amphibian, reptile, ornamental fish, or aquatic plant, in controlled or selected environments” (7 U.S.C. §3103). In practice, aquaculture systems refer to the propagation, breeding, rearing, and harvesting of animal and plant species using interventions such as seeding, stocking, feeding, and protection from predators.

Aquaculture systems may be either land-based (e.g., aboveground tanks, enclosed structures, or artificial ponds) or water-based (e.g., open sea cages, pens, or nets) in freshwater or saltwater (marine) environments. Marine aquaculture systems may take place in enclosures in the ocean or other waterways or on land in tanks or ponds. Aquaculture systems also include aquaponics that combine growing fish and plant species without soil or external fertilizer, using fish waste as a substitute for plant nutrient supplementation while continually recirculating water between the animal and plant growing systems. USDA reports that, based on acreage in 2018, U.S. aquaculture facilities are roughly split between freshwater (both surface and groundwater) and saltwater (ocean or estuary) systems.

USDA reports there were 2,932 aquaculture facilities located in the United States with total farm-level sales of $1.5 billion in 2018. Leading U.S. states with aquaculture facilities, based on sales in 2018, were Mississippi ($216 million in sales), Washington ($208 million), Louisiana ($136 million), Virginia ($113 million), California ($106 million), Alabama ($95 million), and Hawaii ($78 million) (Figure 1). According to USDA, aquaculture product types include food fish (such as catfish and trout), mollusks (oysters, clams, mussels), crustaceans (crawfish for food and saltwater scrimp), ornamental fish (such as koi), sport fish (bass and salmon), baitfish (such as fathead minnows), and other miscellaneous species (including algae, alligators, caviar, eels, frogs, snails, tadpoles, and turtles) (Figure 2).

USDA Aquaculture Support
Federal authority supporting U.S. aquaculture is provided through the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (NAA; P.L. 96-362; 16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.). The act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to establish and implement a National Aquaculture Development Plan (NADP) to promote and support the development of U.S. aquaculture. The act also directs coordination among various federal agencies that have aquaculture programs and policies. The Subcommittee on Aquaculture (SCA) serves as the federal interagency coordinating group tasked with increasing the effectiveness and productivity of federal aquaculture research, regulation, technology transfer, and assistance programs, including the NADP. SCA is a statutory subcommittee that operates under the Committee on Environment of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) under the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.

USDA assistance programs for aquaculture are contained within the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. §3324(a)(2) and §3322), which were reauthorized in the 2018 farm bill (P.L. 115-334, §§7510, 7133). The 2018 farm bill (§7614) also amended USDA’s Aquaculture Assistance Grant Program (7 U.S.C. §3322(b)), which is administered by USDA’sNational Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Under the program, NIFA may award competitive grants to land- and sea grant colleges and universities, state agricultural experiment stations, and nonprofit private research institutions to conduct research and extension activities. USDA aquaculture assistance activities include researching and developing new aquaculture technologies; designing systems that promote healthy growing environments; developing improved genetics and on-land recirculating systems; protecting aquatic animal health (including the development of reliable supplies of seed stock and therapeutic compounds); training and educating aquacultural producers; facilitating or expanding production and marketing; and educating consumers on the nutritional benefits of farmed fish and seafood as well as the sustainability of responsible aquaculture production.

Aquacultural producers are also eligible for other USDA competitive grants available to all U.S. agricultural producers. For example, the Local Agricultural Marketing Program (LAMP; 7 U.S.C. §1627c), administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), includes a subprogram that provides grants to projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises. A review of previously awarded LAMP grants indicates a number of projects have been funded supporting aquacultural marketing. Other support may be available through other USDA programs. These include grants for new and beginning farmers under the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach program (7 U.S.C. §2279) as well as direct and guaranteed loans to family- sized farmers under USDA farm loan programs.

Aside from USDA, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees and supports U.S. marine aquaculture (e.g., farmed seafood including finfish and shellfish).

Farm Bill Considerations for Congress
In 2020, USDA hosted a colloquium Aquaculture is Agriculture: USDA’s Role in Supporting the Farmers of Fish, Shellfish, and Aquatic Plants. Proceedings from the event summarize stakeholder recommendations for USDA related to U.S. aquacultural production. Stakeholder recommendations address research, animal health, environmental management, wildlife interactions, production innovation and technology, product and consumer marketing, and USDA support for aquaculture. The text box summarizes selected recommendations. Congress could consider some of these colloquium recommendations as it debates the next farm bill.

Congress might also consider aspects of legislation introduced in the 118th Congress as part of the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture Act or the AQUAA Act (H.R. 4013, S. 1861). These proposals seek to establish (1) standards for sustainable aquaculture in federal offshore waters in aquaculture opportunity areas; (2) a unified permitting and review process for aquaculture operations; (3) a grant program for research and development; and (4) an Office of Aquaculture within NOAA. Both H.R. 4013 and S. 1861 focus on efforts involving NOAA only and not USDA; therefore, these specific bill proposals may likely fall outside the jurisdiction of a farm bill. However, Congress could consider tasking USDA with providing preliminary information or with playing an evaluative role to support these or related proposals, or other activities that encourage improved coordination between USDA and NOAA. Congress also could consider expanding existing aquacultural research and development programs at USDA in ways that might support these efforts.

Enjoy!

"Whatever you have just done is not nearly as important as what you are doing right now." - Coach Mike Krzyzewski  - quoted in @FastCompany via @TheWeek

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 18 - 24 November 2023

 

On behalf of the Columbia River Treaty Universities Consortium, The University of British Columbia, One River, Ethics Matter, and the North American Youth Parliament for Water we invite you to attend a virtual symposium on November 29th and 30th, 2023 from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm daily PST.

You can register here. 

Please join us on November 29th & 30th for a virtual gathering to begin the process of revitalizing public education and dialogue on transboundary issues and governance in the Columbia River Basin following the pandemic hiatus. Much has happened in the Basin since the last major in-person transboundary symposium led by Columbia Basin Trust in Kimberley, British Columbia in 2019. You may register at this link: https://columbiabasingovernance.org/

At the conference convened in Kimberley, participants made it clear that formal transboundary public engagement is critical to the future governance of the shared Columbia River Basin. Since then, issues such as water quality, salmon reintroduction, and transition to carbon neutral energy have moved to the forefront, but with the limitations of the pandemic, a forum for public engagement has not been convened.

We have organized this virtual forum to provide a platform for an exchange of deliberative dialogues for the future governance of the Columbia River Basin. We have over 30 distinguished speakers from across the Basin and beyond such as Tribes and First Nation Sovereigns, not-for-profit, private, and public sectors, including youth and students who will present on topics such as Indigenous-led salmon revitalization initiatives in the basin, water quality in the Elk and Kootenai/y watersheds, global perspectives on governance models, ethical and intergenerational aspects of public engagement in water governance and other pressing issues facing the third largest watershed in North America.

This dialogue will form the basis for the organization of an anticipated in-person transboundary conference in May 2024 which will lead the Basin in a new and exciting direction, build upon the web of relationships built over the last decade of transboundary dialogue, create new, longer-term linkages, and initiate new collaborations across the Basin where the Symposium will most importantly act as a centre for dialogue and knowledge-sharing through face-to-face and virtual interaction. Through open invitations to not only Basin residents but to participants globally, this

Symposium will be designed to engage a broader public through synthesis, exchange, networking, and co-creation beyond the Columbia River Treaty.

See you next week!

***********************************************

NOTE:

The format for these weekly summaries has been changed.

Enjoy!

******************************************************************************************

Starters
Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 20 November 2023 https://bit.ly/3MRiaT1

World Toilet Day was 19 Nov. Here's a short video (from 2011) w/ a celebrity-model @HeleneTraasavik: 'Don't Just Swipe-Think Before You Wipe!' https://tinyurl.com/5c6r33d8 #WorldToiletDay

New look! TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 18 - 24 November 2023 https://bit.ly/46LgfGN #globalwater

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary - 5 - 17 November 2023 https://bit.ly/47EUd9h

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 22 (November -2 2023) – 161 articles https://bit.ly/49VDlwT #globalwater

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer - USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations' https://bit.ly/3QNIIp6 #scicomm

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 27 November 2023  https://bit.ly/49V2wQf

Canada
From @CanadianWater - 'Great Escape: Safeguarding Our Great Lakes' https://tinyurl.com/yc892pny #cdnwater

From @CanadianWater Newsletter - 20 Nov 2023. Retrofit Triumph; Tasty Win; Reserve Watch; Groundbreaking Partnership; Award Triumph; More! https://tinyurl.com/yc892pny #cdnwater

@CWRA_Flows

 

Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance & Ethics, Virtual Meeting 29 & 30 November 8:30 am - 12 noon PST. Register: https://columbiabasingovernance.org #ColumbiaTreaty

 

Today's Tunes
Today's Tune - 24 Nov 2023. Here's the group Save Ferris featuring Monique Powell doing their 1997 rendition of 'Come On Eileen'. Where's Kevin Rowland when you need him? https://youtu.be/vTb5FDJol8Q?si=KBhxxAF2nLpbyi82… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 23 Nov 2023. I'm giving thanks for Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs 1965 hit 'Woolly Bully'. The song's title came from the pet cat of one of the band members. Or maybe it was his gramdmother. Love the sax! https://youtu.be/KZJiGu6Gz8E?si=8aweJP9qvC6SQwZ-… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tunes - 22 Nov 2023. How 'bout some Slade with frontman Noddy Holder? 'Run Runaway' Glam rock at its best! https://youtu.be/gMxcGaAwy-Q?si=o7vPYfHJVm655D_S… #aquadocaudio 'Cum On Feel The Noize' https://youtu.be/78ezU7x3jfE?si=ScoRyl85SYWA8lVB…

Today's Tune - 21 Nov 2023. It's Norman Greenbaum with his 1970 monster hit: 'Spirit In The Sky'. Some claim that this was the best ever one-hit wonder song. Inspired when Greenbaum heard a Porter Wagoner tune. https://youtu.be/vRFo72wuU6w?si=8mMPHYAEx0cPjU_c… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 20 Nov 2023. From 1972: The Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose: 'Too Late To Turn Back Now'. https://youtu.be/XyqxAIKZ6p8?si=jphaMzPLR3Oik8IB… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 19 Nov 2023. Daryl Hall & John Oates - 'Rich Girl' Nice outfit, Daryl! https://youtu.be/MJsloJmMbis?si=B-PqnhP4imbDXzMN… #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 18 Nov 2023. Nick Lowe's 'Cruel To Be Kind'. The bride is Carlene Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash. Nick and Carlene were married from 1979-1990. https://youtu.be/b0l3QWUXVho?si=PmK8C7TBXTPVwA_Y… #aquadocaudio

Daily News Media Water Reports
Oregon Water News Weekly - 20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2zxtbpjy #ORwater

Hawaii Water News Weekly - 20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2s3nd9dj #HAwaii

Eugene Water News Weekly - 20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p84r5fn #EUGwat

California Water News Daily 
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4njv3svk #cawater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3p6tzmhm #cawater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ywjk3sdb #cawater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4tvnz9z7 #cawater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/r4ufybua #cawater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/49hz2kzw

Colorado Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ymj83wa7#cowater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2kcsx7tt #cowater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3w8975zr #cowater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yrmepu68 #cowater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/24n5sxsd #cowater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/359jjz4d #cowater

Portland Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/zkc4yt2e #PDXwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ykacadx8 #PDXwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mr2mtn3h #PDXwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/22tncesw #PDXwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3kbfy7w2 #PDXwater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/353hf37e #PDXwater

Florida Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yuzkjvsd #FLwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2s49sd78 #FLwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2c58mudw #FLwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mrxteaje #FLwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3y8hjbhj #FLwater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/25zmdjpn #FLwater

Midcontinent US Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2n9x88dk #MCUSwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2937wwuw #MCUSwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bdfhjssn #MCUSwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3ww6hcsf #MCUSwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mrx7eyxv #MCUSwater

 

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/dm28pxb2 #MCUSwater

Southeast US Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ye23zcfn #SEUSwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yc5kj8kp #SEUSwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5n82ej2t #SEUSwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/23s679cf #SEUSwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3hp2895e #SEUSwater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2mj4pm4p #SEUSwater

Southwest US Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/kmewc532 #SWUSwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/crev3hpj #SWUSwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5n7pvkhu #SWUSwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4bbwmh8u #SWUSwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/259cfkbd #SWUSwater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/37r4kb7p #SWUSwater

Northeast US Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/yp429peh #NEWater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ea23k5rr #NEWater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p9zd9d7 #NEWater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4e9a2km2 #NEWater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/52uddz4k #NEWater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3kamawpc #NEWater

Pacific Northwest Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2j3f3z77 #PNWater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/ydpxnfph #PNWater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3w4x77aa #PNWater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2c3vnznb #PNWater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/25cnewhm #PNWater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2p8eprpw #PNWater

Texas Water News Daily
24 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/2dw6nkjn #txwater

23 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/a3tw5cxu #txwater

22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/a3tw5cxu #txwater

21 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mvthtww3 #txwater

20 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/cwkz53y6 #txwater

18 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/bdz56fjw #txwater

California-Centric Stuff
The @CA_DWR Water Plan eNews -->22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/3hd52s2a #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News--> 22 Nov 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwe2h6rj #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News --> 21 Nov 2023. #cawater https://tinyurl.com/ypvj2acv

The @CA_DWR Water News--> https://tinyurl.com/y2bx4yh4 #cawater

From @UCDavisWater: 'Schooling Fish: Behind the Scenes of Putah Creek Fish Sampling' https://tinyurl.com/mmh2xdpf #cawater 

Nature Quotes
Today's Quote (@Nature11/24/23) “Researchers are simply not choosing to study health factors specific to women, which is perhaps not surprising when 80% of tenured neuroscientists are men.” (1/2)

Although women make up about 50% of people enrolled in neuroimaging studies, less than 0.5% of studies look at women’s health, says psychologist Emily Jacobs. (2/2)

Today's Quote (@Nature11/23/23) “It is a concern of mine and my scientific colleagues that whereas in the past you could make the assumption that students would leave school able to do certain practical things - cutting things out, making things that is no longer the case.”(1/2)

Surgical educator Roger Kneebone decries a decline in manual dexterity in up-and-coming surgeons in the digital age. (2/2)

Today's Quote (@Nature11/22/23): “Humanity will be faced with either cooperating in the face of those crises or competing. And what we see from Neanderthals and Homo sapiens is that the groups that cooperated better were the ones that got through.” (1/2)

Physical anthropologist Chris Stringer suggests that adaptability and networking helped Homo sapiens outlast at least eight hominind species that once roamed Earth — with lessons for those of us living today. (2/2)

Today's Quote (@Nature11/21/23) “You don’t sign up as an academic to become a media star. Most of us are super-uncomfortable, and have been very keen to get back to our normal lives.” (1/2)

Physicist Shaun Hendy experienced abuse related to his high-profile work on infectious-disease modeling during COVID-19 pandemic. He & microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles sued their university for failing to keep them safe from harassment,but Hendy settled when he left for new role 2/2

Today's Quote (@Nature11/20/23): “I believe that the scientists should be focusing on the science, because if they’re worrying about all the other things, the science comes essentially last.” (1/2)

Medicinal chemist Susan Winks got an MBA and pivoted to operations — now she’s proud that her work frees researchers to “spend until we tell them to stop spending” (2/2)

Other Quotes
"You can move from a public college to a private university, from a secular college to a religious school, or from a comprehensive regional to an R1, but you can’t escape me!" - @ass_deans

"Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife." - John Dewey (quoted in @TheAtlantic via @TheWeek

"The way up and the way down are one and the same." - Heraclitus (quoted in @Forbes via @TheWeek)

"The hot-blooded shall be judged differently from the cold-hearted." --Dante

"You can observe a lot just by watching." - Yogi Berra (quoted in @NewsandRecord via @TheWeek)

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." - Bill Bowerman

Water/Climate Jobs
From IISD: Climate Change Job Vacancies - 22 November 2023 - 8 Positions https://bit.ly/3QTO6Hy #globalwater 

Josh's Water Jobs & More! 21 November 2023 ~334 Jobs! https://bit.ly/47Heefj #globalwater

From @IISD: Climate Change Job Vacancies - 17 November 2023 - 4 Positions https://bit.ly/47EfKPr

 

Journals, Newsletters, Podcasts

The @WaterNetwork Newsletter - 24 November 2023. Trending Technology~Editors Choice~Knowledge Exchange~Featured Jobs~Featured Events~Questions~More! https://tinyurl.com/4246u73j #scicomm

 

In @Marinetimes: US military says national security depends on ‘forever chemicals’. https://tinyurl.com/2ythdz6h #scicomm

 

From @JPRnews and @propublica: 9 times the

@USACEHQ miscalculated badly at the expense of taxpayers, wildlife https://tinyurl.com/2s3ze3bu #water

 

It's @thewaterloop! Episode #201: 'A Look Inside Navajo Nation' with Crystal Tulley-Cordova. https://youtu.be/gJiXajasT8k?si=EV4YOx24NKhiAAe-…

 

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 22 (November -2 2023) – 161 articles https://bit.ly/49VDlwT #globalwater

 

 

Colorado/Columbia/Other River Basins

From @ByIanJames: New @latimes documentary out today. It follows our journey reporting along the Colorado River, from headwaters to dry end, and examines how the Southwest is grappling w/ the water crisis. Produced

@AlbertLeeInLA

https://tinyurl.com/5av2b64b #SWUSwater cc:

@WaterEdFdn

 

Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance & Ethics, Virtual Meeting 29 & 30 November 8:30 am - 12 noon PST. Register: https://columbiabasingovernance.org #ColumbiaTreaty

 

In @SequimGazette Being Frank: Salmon recovery is working, but we can’t stop here. https://tinyurl.com/yw5ny23z #salmon

 

It's Sibley's Rivers 'Romancing the River We’ve Created' https://tinyurl.com/muxh7edx #water

 

Nature Briefings

The @Natire Briefing - 24 Nov 2023. Turbocharged cosmic ray spotted; ‘Treasure trove’ of new CRISPR systems; UK politicians struggled with COVID science; AI after the OpenAI drama; How to avert disasters; Podcast: What happens after polio’s end. https://tinyurl.com/48953nkc #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing- 23 Nov 2023. Nom nom nom … stop; How an astronomy centre reached gender parity; ChatGPT produces fake clinical-trial data; AI can bring back lost masterpieces; How ‘loss & damage’ works; Prejudice colors views on migration https://tinyurl.com/bdzxpmnn #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefong - 22 Nov 2023. Deep-sea mining might harm wildlife; Wi-Fi for nerve signals; Iceland braces for volcanic eruption; Is it too late to keep warming < 1.5 °C?; Keep polio from coming back? Scientists toil to name Hamas victims.. https://tinyurl.com/z78t3b8c #scicom

 

The @Nature Briefing - 21 Nov 2023. Bats mate more like birds than mammals; SpaceX Starship touches space; Genetic link to cannabis addiction found; Argentina’s new anti-science president; AI: find research ‘blind spots’;Specks w/ enormous power. https://tinyurl.com/2s4zvth5 #scicomm

 

The @Nature Briefing - 20 Nov 2023. Clues to cuttlefish camouflage; South braces for summer from hell; Heat pump could transform air conditioning; Microbes mine for rare-earth metals; Yes to truly global research standards; PhD research > teaching https://tinyurl.com/3vj78mhn #scicomm

 

Webinars and Events

It's @TheWaterChannel
Webinar - 6 December 2023, 11-12 noon CET (2 AM PST; 5 AM EST). Register: https://tinyurl.com/yckednzk #globalwater

Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance & Ethics, Virtual Meeting 29 & 30 November 8:30 am - 12 noon PST. Register: https://columbiabasingovernance.org #ColumbiaTreaty

 

World Toilet Day was 19 Nov. Here's a short video (from 2011) w/ a celebrity-model

@HeleneTraasavik

: 'Don't Just Swipe-Think Before You Wipe!' https://tinyurl.com/5c6r33d8 #WorldToiletDay

 

From @iwra_water: Upcoming webinar - 'Accelerating Change in Global Sanitation: World Toilet Day 2023' - 21 November 7 AM PST (US/Canada); 1600 CET. Register: https://lnkd.in/dUXHajkM #WorldToiletDay

 

Congressional Research Service (CRS) and Other Reports

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer: Support for Native Agricultural Producers' https://bit.ly/3sItBWf #FarmBills

 

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer - USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations' https://bit.ly/3QNIIp6 #scicomm

 

CRS InFocus Report: 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) FY2024 Budget Request and Appropriations' https://bit.ly/3QTLw4q

 

CRS Insight Report: 'Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP)' https://bit.ly/3sxOhzX

 

CRS InFocus Report: 'The Pacific Islands' https://bit.ly/46kHXtI #PacificIslands

 

Humor?

Tnx @mark_grossi
Sometimes, #climate gallows humor is too hard to resist ... thanks,

@CNCKevinHall

 

"It’s not a ‘rule change’—it’s a clarification. I want to make it clear that, no matter what you do, you lose." - @ass_deans

CRS InFocus Report: 'Farm Bill Primer: Support for Native Agricultural Producers'

From Renée Johnson comes this CRS updated (22 November 2023) report: CRS Report: 'Farm Bill Primer: Support for Native Agricultural Producers'.

Download CRS_InFocus_Rpt_Farm_Bill_Primer_Support_Native_Ag_Producers_22Nov2023

Very appropriate for Thanksgiving!

Click on the graphics to enlarge them.  

The 2018 farm bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; P.L. 115-334) expanded federal farm program support for Native agricultural producers and tribal communities. Congress further enhanced community and economic development for tribes in the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-261) and provided additional support for historically underserved agricultural producers, including Native producers, in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2). As Congress debates the next farm bill, groups supporting Native agriculture are calling for additional support related to production services and credit, nutrition and food sovereignty, and economic development for tribal producers and communities.

Native Farmers and Ranchers
More than 79,000 farmers and ranchers identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, including producers identifying in combination with another race, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2017, Native agricultural producers accounted for 2% of all U.S. producers. Native agricultural sales were $3.5 billion in 2017, or about 1% of all U.S. farm-level sales. Most Native producers (46%) are located in Arizona and Oklahoma (Figure 1). Other leading states were New Mexico, Texas, California, Montana, Missouri, Utah, Arkansas, Alabama, Oregon, and South Dakota. These operations cover 59 million acres of farm and grazing land. Native producers, however, may lack legal title to land often held in trust by the federal government. (For more background, see CRS Report R46647, Tribal Land and Ownership Statuses: Overview and Selected Issues for Congress.)

In statute, support for Native producers references the definition of Indian tribe in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA; P.L. 93-638, 25 U.S.C. §5304(e)). The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the Interior (DOI) reports 574 federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible to receive services, including farm program support. Alternatively, some statutes specifically reference Native Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians. Some statutes use terms such as tribal groups or Indian tribal organizations that are defined in statute or regulation.

Federal Role in Native Agriculture
As the agency delegated to implement many federal statutes addressing Indian tribes, BIA has been the lead agency for providing agricultural programs and services to Indian tribes, often contracting with and transferring funds to USDA for farm programs (e.g., the Cooperative Extension System). In 1993, Congress enacted the American Indian Agricultural Resource Management Act (AIRMA; P.L. 103-177, 25 U.S.C. Ch. 39) intended to “improve the management, productivity, and use of Indian agricultural lands and resources,” citing also the need to fulfill federal trust responsibility and promotion of tribal self- determination and emphasizing agriculture’s significance to tribal economic development. Since AIRMA’s enactment, BIA’s Branch of Agriculture and Rangeland Development has been managing “tribal agricultural programs.” In addition to BIA program funding, Congress has continued to address Native agriculture by amending USDA programs to expand access to farm credit and research/extension services (e.g., P.L. 100-233, Title VI; P.L. 101-624, Titles XVI and XVIII). Congress also added Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or 1994 Institutions, to the land-grant university system (P.L. 103-382, Title V).

Following enactment of the 2018 farm bill, USDA now has limited authority for contracting under ISDEAA, allowing an Indian tribe or group of tribes to negotiate contracts to administer programs, functions, services, or activities that a federal agency performs for an Indian tribe and its members. These are known as 638 contracts or compacts or self-determination contracts and must conform to statutory and regulatory standards, including specific performance and recordkeeping requirements. Previously, these contracts were limited to DOI or Department of Health and Human Services programs. The 2018 farm bill authorized USDA to enter into demonstration project contracts under ISDEAA to empower a tribe or tribal organization to negotiate a 638 contract to perform certain program functions on Indian forestlands. The 2018 farm bill also authorized USDA to contract with a tribe or tribal organizations to perform purchasing functions under its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Unlike DOI, which is authorized to enter into a self-governance compact or single annual funding agreement for the tribe to administer all the Indian programs that the agency administers for that tribe (25 U.S.C. §§5381-5389), USDA is not authorized to enter into self-governance compacts.

USDA has a formal tribal consultation policy and an Office of Tribal Relations to conduct formal, government-to- government meetings between USDA officials and tribal nations. USDA has launched its Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative, where indigenous food sovereignty broadly refers to developing and strengthening tribal nations’ efforts to build and protect tribal traditional food systems and allowing tribes to respond to their own dietary needs. USDA’s Equity Action Plan includes policies promoting tribal self-determination to enable greater self- governance and decisionmaking by tribes. USDA’s Equity Commission also includes tribal representation. These efforts, in part, address concerns related to equity and access to USDA services highlighted in the class action lawsuit, Keepseagle v. Vilsack. In that case, Native farmers and ranchers sued USDA under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. §1691), claiming the department discriminated against them when they tried to participate in USDA farm loan programs between 1981 and 1999. The 2010 settlement in that case provided $760 million, including a $680 million compensation fund and $80 million in debt relief.

Tribal Views on the 2018 Farm Bill
The Native Farm Bill Coalition (Coalition), representing 208 tribes and 62 related organizations, claims Native farmers and ranchers have “been largely relegated to the margins of Farm Bill discussions for decades,” thus “missing out on major opportunities to protect and advance their interests.” The Coalition’s concerns, along with those of other groups (such as the First Nations Development Institute, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, and the Intertribal Timber Council) are highlighted in Regaining Our Future, a 2017 study by the University of Arkansas’s Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative. These groups assert the 2018 farm bill contained more than 60 provisions relating to Native agricultural producer and communities, resulting in “unprecedented” farm policy gains for tribes. Provisions supporting Native agriculture and communities span many USDA programs related to production, rural infrastructure, economic development, conservation, forestry, and nutrition assistance. See CRS In Focus IF11287, 2018 Farm Bill Primer: Support for Indian Tribes.

Considerations for the Next Farm Bill
Tribal groups continue to call for expanding tribal self- governance authority and for reducing barriers to implementing USDA’s food and nutrition programs and certain land policies. For example, in advance of the next farm bill, the Coalition’s priorities include proposed changes across each of the farm bill titles (see text box).

Priorities include expanding 638 authority for tribes in USDA programming, providing for indigenous food sovereignty and greater autonomy for TCUs and tribal extension services, and prioritizing tribes in USDA grants, among other priorities. The Coalition also has facilitated a Tribal Caucus for Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Priorities cover expanding Native food systems, programs, and policies, emphasizing “the important role that food sovereignty plays in improving the future for Native Americans” (see https://www.nativefarmbill.com/; and https://indigenousfoodandag.com/).

The 118th Congress has introduced legislation seeking to address the needs of Indian tribes and their producers. Some bills would give tribes more control over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administration (H.R. 5970, S. 2912); others would expand self-governance authority for other types of community services (e.g., H.R. 1450/S. 697; H.R. 3307; H.R. 3964). Some proposals would establish additional services for Native communities (e.g., S. 1156), while other proposals would more broadly expand support for historically underserved producers, including Native producers. These efforts generally seek to address perceived discrimination and inequities in accessing USDA services and assistance—such as through loan forgiveness, targeted assistance, and instituting reforms at USDA. Congress may consider these and other Native agriculture and community priorities as it debates the farm bill.

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