BEAUFORT, N.C. — April 4, 2014 — Several North Carolina congressmen are alarmed at the proposal to close the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lab on Pivers Island.
Congressman Walter B. Jones, R-N.C. is leading an effort to oppose the Department of Commerce’s fiscal 2015 budget request to close the lab.
Meanwhile, Congressman David Price, D-N.C., has issued a statement on his concern over the proposal; Rep. Price sits on the House Appropriations Committee, which reviews the federal budget, budget proposals and requests.
According to a press release from Rep. Jones’ office Tuesday, the lab is the sole government research center between New Jersey and Miami studying Atlantic fish populations and is uniquely situated at the intersection of the ranges of northern and southern fish species.
“This location has allowed the lab to contribute valuable research on an abundance of issues, including sustainable fisheries; conservation of sea turtles, dolphins, seagrass estuaries and offshore reefs; algal blooms; invasive species; and changes in climate and sea levels,” Rep. Jones’ office said. “Furthermore, marine science provides a $58 million boost to the local economy, with the Beaufort lab specifically employing over 100 people.”
Read the full story at the Cateret County News-Times