WASHINGTON, DC (March 30, 2009) – A measure sponsored by Maine Senator Olympia Snowe aimed at advancing ocean science was signed into law today by President Barack Obama.
The Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 is included in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Snowe, a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmospheres, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, says the initiative authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to compile information from a network of data collection systems around America’s coastlines. She says it will also encourage the development of ocean science technology. "Today marks a major victory for the advancement of ocean science," Snowe says in a statement. "These ocean and coastal research programs will further enhance our understanding of the marine world and improve our ability to predict ocean conditions and climate trends."