Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Senator Hassan to Support Ocean Monitoring, Protect Oceans and Coasts Passes U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON – Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Maggie Hassan, the Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act, which reauthorizes and provides support to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), passed the U.S. Senate. The network provides scientists and researchers with vital information about the nation’s coasts and oceans, as well as the Great Lakes.

“New Hampshire’s Seacoast is critically important for our economy, environment, and way of life,” Senator Hassan said. “The bipartisan Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act will help provide critical data and research to improve our national security, navigation safety, weather forecasting, and environmental protection. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly pass this legislation so that our coastal communities have the resources they need to thrive.”

“Reauthorizing the Integrated Ocean Observing System will directly benefit New Hampshire,” said Ru Morrison, Executive Director of the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS). “As a region of the Integrated Ocean Observing System, we produce, integrate, and communicate high-quality information that helps ensure safety, economic and environmental resilience, and sustainable use of the coastal ocean. I am grateful for Senator Hassan’s advocacy and leadership on this legislation that will help us continue our critical work to protect New Hampshire’s Seacoast and coastlines around the country.”

IOOS, first authorized in 2009 by the “Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing Act,” comprises a partnership of 17 federal agencies and 11 regional associations. The network supports a wide range of missions, including national defense, search-and-rescue operations, marine commerce, navigation safety, weather, economic development, and ecosystem-based marine resource management.

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