The Biden-Harris administration has recently announced a significant investment of $16.7 million to support marine technology innovation, as revealed by the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The allocation of this funding across 12 awards aims to advance sustainability, equity, biodiversity, and climate adaptation. These initiatives are part of the Inflation Reduction Act and U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System’s Marine Life and Ocean Technology Transition programs.
Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, emphasized the importance of understanding and managing coastal areas in the fight against climate change. The awarded funding will play a critical role in advancing new technologies to gain insights into the status and health of coastal ecosystems.
Several projects have been recommended for funding, including the establishment of a Marine Biodiversity Observation Network for the Mid-Atlantic coast by the University of Delaware/Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System, receiving $1,750,000 in funding. The Shark Research Foundation is set to expand BioTrack, a collaborative network focused on assessing and monitoring biodiversity hotspots where marine megafauna share habitat, with a funding of $1,750,000. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is recommended to receive $1,197,911 to develop real-time monitoring of harmful algal blooms via satellite-based telemetry.
These innovative projects will be taking place across different regions in the U.S., contributing to the development and implementation of advanced technologies and public-private partnerships, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
Nicole LeBoeuf, the Director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, emphasized the critical role of these projects in building resilient communities. The use of innovative and cost-effective tools and systems will enable a more comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems, supporting effective decision-making for the sustainable use of coastal areas.
The Marine Life awards will contribute to the establishment of a nationwide biodiversity research and observing system, providing essential data, information, and tools for coastal resilience, management, conservation, and alternative energy planning. The Ocean Technology Transition awards will address specific requirements such as improving harmful algal bloom monitoring and bringing new, lower-cost technologies to the market to fill data and information gaps.
In conclusion, the investment of $16.7 million for marine technology innovation is a significant step towards strengthening coastal resilience and supporting sustainable practices. These projects will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of marine ecosystems and enhancing our ability to efficiently monitor and forecast environmental conditions.
For more information about current and future funding opportunities, please visit NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act website.
It is important to note that climate, weather, and water impact all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources.
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