Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - January 25, 2005)

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By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Mr. INOUYE, Ms. SNOWE, and Mr. DODD):

S. 39. A bill to establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I introduce today S. 39, the ``National Ocean Exploration Program Act'' to expand exploration and knowledge of our Nation's oceans. When I introduced this bill in the 108th Congress, Senator Hollings and Senator INOUYE were original co-sponsors. Senator Hollings has left this body, but he worked closely with Senator INOUYE and me on this bill and we thank him for his contributions to ocean policy. Senators SNOWE and DODD would like to be added as original co-sponsors of this bill.

Senator INOUYE and I introduce this legislation today in an effort to increase and coordinate research and exploration of our Nation's oceans. Alaska and Hawaii are uniquely dependent on the ocean for food, employment, recreation, and the delivery of goods. However, approximately 95 percent of the ocean floor remains unexplored, much of it located in the polar latitudes and the southern ocean. This legislation will advance ocean exploration and increase funding for greater research.

In its final report, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recommended that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation lead an expanded National Ocean Exploration Program. This legislation will accomplish that goal.

The National Exploration Program expands ocean exploration. Through this program we will determine whether there are new marine substances with potential therapeutic benefits; study unique marine ecosystems, organisms and the geology of the world's oceans; and maximize ocean research by integrating multiple scientific disciplines in the ocean science community.

The program will focus on remote ocean research and exploration. Specifically, research will be conducted on hydrothermal vents communities and seamounts. Increased research in these areas, where organisms exist in highly toxic environments, should yield significant scientific and medical breakthroughs.

Decades ago I help Oscar Dyson, a great Alaska fisherman, secure a small grant to explore the North Pacific. With that grant he discovered a great number of marine species that are now considered vital to the North Pacific. It is my hope that the National Ocean Exploration Program Act will be the catalyst for that type of ocean exploration and discovery.

There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

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