Mississippi Gulf News

Representatives Mike Ezell, Bonamici, Weber, Dingell, Radewagen, and David have introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for five fiscal years. The bill maintains the authorized funding level at $56 million annually and supports ocean monitoring efforts crucial for coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

"IOOS is essential to keeping coastal economies strong and resilient, especially in Mississippi," said Representative Ezell. "This reauthorization ensures we maintain vital ocean monitoring resources while modernizing the program to maximize its impact. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support jobs, commerce, and our nation’s leadership in ocean science."

Chairman Westerman emphasized the importance of accurate ocean monitoring data for coastal communities and the Great Lakes. "Reauthorizing the IOOS will help us continue to support healthy fisheries, boost maritime commerce, support the United States’ coastal communities and make informed decisions for various maritime operations," he stated.

Representative Dingell highlighted Michigan's connection to the Great Lakes: “This bill reauthorizes the United States Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which oversees the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) that is headquartered in Ann Arbor.” She noted that GLOS provides critical data for public health and safety.

Radewagen pointed out American Samoa's reliance on ocean observations: “Quality IOOS data is important to all U.S. coastlines.”

Bonamici remarked on the significance of accurate data for Oregonians: “The high quality tools and forecasts from NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) help people make informed decisions that protect people’s lives and livelihoods as well as the environment.”

Kristen Yarincik of IOOS Association described sustained ocean observations as necessary for a strong maritime economy: "The Integrated Ocean Observing System authorization creates a public-private partnership that provides freely accessible information."

Jorge Brenner from GCOOS emphasized how data impacts daily life: "Data collected by GCOOS...are crucial for things such as predicting hurricane intensification."

Jan Newton from NANOOS shared feedback from residents who depend on reliable delivery of data: “We must sustain IOOS as a national, regionally-distributed partnership because it is trusted, cost-effective, and needed.”

The IOOS Reauthorization Act of 2025 includes updates such as clarifying operational oceanographic information provided by IOOS and enhancing roles within interagency committees.