According to NOAA $853,785 has been awarded to support ocean observing efforts in Southern California. The 2008 funding is provided through NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) programme. NOAA said that the grants will go to the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, coordinated out of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.
John Orcutt, Ph.D. Professor of geophysics at Scripps is Chair of the SCCOOS Board of Governors, which oversees the efforts, said that the main aim of the effort is to maintain and enhance ocean and coastal observations in the region, make regional data easier to access and use. It will also identify and prioritize future regional needs for ocean information and monitor environmental conditions so decision-makers can minimize the impact of severe weather, natural hazards and other emergencies.
Zdenka Willis, NOAA IOOS programme director, said that regional partnerships are critical to the success of a national Integrated Ocean Observing System. He also told that with increased understanding of our oceans and coasts comes an increased ability to keep our nation safe, our economy secure, and our environment healthy and productive. Retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, is of a view that this agreement represents another big step forward for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System, as called for in the President’s Ocean Action Plan.
