This bill directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to run a project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog. The bill's stated goal is to enhance vessel safety and reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events.
The project focuses on: increasing marine-based observations using Federal platforms and commercial sources (for example buoys, meteorological stations that measure visibility and other conditions, stationary or drifting instruments, vessels, unmanned systems, and remote sensing like hyperspectral satellite imagery); using advanced algorithms to detect and monitor fog; improving the geographic coverage, resolution, and accuracy of marine fog modeling; improving how marine fog advisories are communicated; and providing decision support services that give actionable environmental information to advisory recipients.
The bill also requires the Under Secretary to meet with public and private stakeholders and with Indian tribes during planning and implementation. The Under Secretary must develop a project plan within one year that details the research, development, technology transfer activities, and corresponding resources and timelines needed to meet the project's goals.
The bill aims to lead to more observations of coastal fog and better fog forecasts and advisories. Where implemented, people who work on or travel in coastal waters could see more sensors and data sources, updates to weather and navigation advisories, and tools intended to help make decisions when fog reduces visibility.
No publicly available information on specific costs or on funds authorized or appropriated. The bill requires the project plan to describe the resources and timelines needed, but it does not specify dollar amounts or funding sources.
The bill's stated purpose is to improve safety and reduce economic harm from coastal marine fog by increasing observations, advancing modeling, improving advisories and risk communication, engaging stakeholders and tribes, and delivering decision support based on environmental information.
No publicly available information.