The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy today announced the release of Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone identified by the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council.
In the announcement, OSTP Assistant Director for Ocean Science and Technology Amanda Netburn, Deputy Director for Climate and Environment Jane Lubchenco, and Council on Environmental Quality Senior Director for Water Sara Gonzalez-Rothi highlighted the benefits of ocean exploration and need for better understanding of ocean processes and places and improved management to support ocean-based climate solutions. In doing so, they noted that less than 50% of U.S. waters are mapped to modern standards, and that “far less information” is available on seafloor and water column geology, biology, chemistry, and cultural heritage.
Strategic priorities include thematic areas related to benthic ecology; cultural heritage; marine resources such as fisheries habitats, aquaculture, renewable energy, critical minerals, deep sand and gravel, and natural products; seafloor hazards; and the water column. Geographic priorities include areas off Alaska, the U.S. Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts, and the Caribbean and Pacific Islands.
In conjunction with the report’s release, OSTP highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to promote ocean science and technology through partnerships, calling the ocean “a victim of climate change” but also “a powerful source of solutions” including renewable energy, green shipping, and conserved and restored areas that provide climate and socioeconomic benefits.
In addition to the report on strategic priorities for ocean mapping, OSTP noted the keel-laying for a new ocean research vessel and the release of the Sixth Report on Federally Funded Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Activities and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program Interagency Working Group Fiscal Year 2021 Report to Congress, calling the associated activities “notable advances in ocean science and technology” that are “providing actionable information to support sustainable management of ocean waters.”
