Olympia Snowe: “thank you for allowing the Senate to consider S. 361, the Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act of 2005. I must also…”

“thank you for allowing the Senate to consider S. 361, the Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act of 2005. I must also thank my cosponsors, Senators Kerry, Stevens, Inouye, Collins, Sarbanes, Lautenberg, Lott, and Cantwell. Their commitment to sound, science-based marine policy enabled us to craft this critical legislation that would do nothing less than revolutionize our understanding of the oceans. This bill, the Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act of 2005, would create an integrated network of ocean monitoring systems around our Nation's coastlines, enabling comprehensive ocean data to be collected, compiled, and utilized in ways that enhance our safety, livelihoods, and overall quality of life. Although 140 million Americans live along our Nation's 95,000 miles of coastline, most of these coastal residents would be surprised to learn how little we know about what happens at and below the sea's surface. Marine scientists strive to collect data on the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the ocean, yet many of their questions about our complex marine environment remain unanswered. Moreover, there is a tremendous and growing need to translate data about ocean conditions into a form of information that people can use to improve their activities in and on the water--whether for marine science, resource management, and maritime transportation and safety.…”