Legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) that would reauthorize the foundation for the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) unanimously passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday.
The proposal, S. 1886 – the Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act – was introduced by Wicker in July.
“The information provided by this system yields more accurate weather forecasts and provides critical real-time data on the storm tides and surges associated with severe weather systems,” Wicker said. “In addition to the clear benefits for those living on the Gulf Coast, IOOS supports a wide range of missions across the ocean monitoring spectrum – from safe marine operations to protecting fisheries and aquaculture. I am hopeful that the full Senate will take action on this proposal soon.”
IOOS, a partnership of 11 regional associations and 17 federal agencies, provides vital information to researchers and scientists about the coasts and oceans of the U.S., including the Great Lakes. The information is then used by ocean modeling teams at Stennis, consisting of the Navy, the GCOOS-RA, the University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the NOAA and others, to develop the best physical and ecosystem models of the Gulf. The Navy model’s results are then used by the NOAA National Weather Service for public safety hurricane forecasts.