"Maine's Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System, a pioneering a new way of monitoring the conditions in the Atlantic Ocean, is a terrific model for a similar, national system," said Senator Collins. A network of computerized buoys represent a powerful and innovative network of scientific data collection. And our ability to know what's happening offshore almost instantaneously has boundless benefits for those who make their living on the sea."
The legislation would: •Develop and maintain an integrated marine data monitoring and management system that provides for comprehensive and continuous ocean and coastal observations; •Implement a research and development program to enhance security at US ports; •Coordinate state agencies' regional ocean observing systems' efforts regarding data measurement requirements, standards and protocols for quality control, and data management and planning activities; •Establish a Joint Operations Center to manage data and buoy technologies, carry out the deployment of the system and provide technical support for observing plans; •Include a national data system to document global trends, link regional and global data, and collect information in a uniform manner. •Establish a research and development program to study the relationship between ocean conditions and human activities, develop new observation technologies, and improve public education.
"One of the top benefits of a system such as GoMoos is the promise it holds for improving the safety of mariners, especially fisherman, who make their living on the sea."