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AOOS Board Chair Ed Page speaks before a Congressional committee in early June.
On June 11th, AOOS Board chairman Ed Page, testified before the Senate Subcommittee of Ocean, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard about the importance of ocean observing. Page is the director of the Marine Exchange of Alaska, a non-profit that provides information and services for safe and environmentally responsible maritime operations.
In his testimony, Page discussed the importance of partnerships in meeting the nation’s needs for ocean observing. Page noted that the harsh and extreme environment of Alaska and the Arctic requires quality real time information for safe shipping and to respond to emergencies. He highlighted the partnerships AOOS has fostered to provide real time weather observations that are not only useful to mariners but to the Coast Guard, NGOs, Department of the Interior, and others concerned about the environment in Alaska.
The hearing also included Jan Newton, Executive Director of AOOS’ northwest partner NANOOS, as well as Susan Avery from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI).