The US House has passed and sent the Senate legislation to renew the nation’s Ocean Observing System, key for predicting tropical storm intensity and keeping fishermen and others safe. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata introduced the bipartisan legislation with Mississippi’s Mike Ezell to renew the Integrated Ocean Observing System for 5 years at $56 million a year.
Amata says American Samoa depends on ocean observations for key data, such as wave measurements that help in storm readiness and coastal development decisions.
She says, “We have a buoy that gathers ocean information, specifically named in memory of longtime Port Director Chris King.”
Ezell says the new bill boosts coordination between federal agencies and observing systems making critical data more accessible to those who need it…
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Ezell “It supports commercial fishing, fishermen, shipping and maritime operations, offshore energy development, hurricane forecasting and coastal disaster preparedness. It also helps federal, state and local officials make informed decisions to protect lives and livelihoods along our coasts.”
The Integrated Ocean Observing System, “IOOS” for short, helps track changing ocean temperatures, measure wave activity, monitor sea level rise and improve storm surge forecasts.
Democrat Sarah Elfreth…
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Elfreth “IOOS provides data to states, ports, the Coast Guard and any other business or any other agency that needs real time access to ocean conditions. With natural disasters causing an estimated 12 (B) billion with a ‘b,’ in average annual damages, sustained investment in IOOS remains essential to ensure accurate weather and climate forecasts, that protect our infrastructure, public safety and economic resilience.”
Fishermen tell the regional public-private partnership of observing systems, it helps them plan safe journeys, while planners and residents praise tsunami preparedness information on their phones.
