From the President’s Office – 9/23/2011

Moving from the inauguration of a Senate Oceans Caucus last week to progress on an Ocean Endowment this week makes the past couple of weeks very productive for ocean issues.  Back in May, I posted a statement on the introduction of S.973, a Senate bill that would establish a “National Endowment for the Oceans, Coast and Great Lakes (NEO).”  I am delighted that yesterday the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approved this legislation, thus taking a major step forward in launching NEO.  So, things are moving! We will keep you posted on when the full Senate takes action.  In the meantime, to read the entire press release on the committee’s approval, click here. 

Last weekend, the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) program sponsored an informational and interactive community event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  The attendees were able to learn about the various instruments and equipment through displays; watch interactive videos; and meet and hear from numerous OOI program Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists on the overall program and specifically, the Pioneer Array, which will operate off the New England Coast.  This is an exciting time for the program since this weekend the OOI Coastal and Global Implementing Organization (WHOI) will test several different moorings designs at-sea, marking the first comprehensive test of an OOI system on the east coast.  For more information, continue reading in the Ocean Leadership News section below. 

Have a great weekend.  Personally, I plan on taking some time to enjoy the National Book Festival on the Mall here in DC.  I hope to see some of you there!  It is always a great event.

Bob

Related Posts:

• From the President’s Office – 5/17/2012
• From the President’s Office – 5/11/2012
• From the President’s Office – 4/23/2012
• From the President’s Office – 4/20/2012
• From the President’s Office – 4/12/2012