On Monday, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, along with sponsor Representative Mike Ezell, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the next five fiscal years, maintaining its authorized funding level at $56 million annually.
The bill ensures continued support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that benefit coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.
The Congresswoman said, “In American Samoa, we depend on the science of ocean observations for important data, such as wave measurements, leading to better services and decision-making in development or storm readiness. Quality IOOS data is important to all U.S. coastlines and all the U.S. territories,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We have a buoy that gathers ocean information that is specially named in memory of longtime Port Director Chris King, who served American Samoa for many years.”
Other original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Bonamici, Weber, Dingell and David.
The IOOS Reauthorization Act of 2025 includes important updates to improve the program’s effectiveness, including:
• Clarifying the type of data IOOS provides as operational oceanographic information;
• Updating statutory references to reflect current law by replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee;
• Enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure IOOS is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.
