This bill would create a new research program inside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) called the Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Research Program. The program's goals are to produce high-quality global ocean environmental data and information to improve scientific understanding and to advance tools and services for climate, weather, and ocean needs. Activities named in the bill include developing sustained in‑situ ocean monitoring systems, leading the global One Argo system, supporting basic and applied research, testing new ocean observation technologies, and improving data findability and usability. The bill also directs interdisciplinary research on topics such as ocean heat content, Arctic changes, and ocean carbon and biogeochemistry. It requires coordination with federal agencies, states, academic institutions, industry, and international observing bodies and calls for use of autonomous observing systems, artificial intelligence, and cloud technologies where practical.
The bill aims to increase the amount and quality of ocean data available for scientists, forecasters, and decision makers. Academic institutions, private companies, and other organizations could apply for competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to carry out research and develop observation technologies. The program will set a framework within one year to prioritize monitoring activities and will start an annual review process to assess data and system quality. It also encourages work on forecasting tools for extreme weather and greater use of autonomous sensors and data systems.
No publicly available information. The bill establishes the program and authorizes financial assistance awards but does not specify funding levels, appropriations, or cost estimates.
The bill states that the program will improve scientific understanding and advance capabilities and services for climate, weather, and ocean needs. It lists benefits such as better baseline ocean measurements, stronger public understanding of marine research, and improved forecasting for extreme weather through enhanced observing technologies.
No publicly available information.