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URBAN COAST INSTITUTE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO THE U.S. (IOOS®) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Monmouth University is pleased to announce that Urban Coast Institute (UCI) Director Tony MacDonald has been appointed to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Federal Advisory Committee.

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Federal Advisory Committee was created to evaluate scientific and technical information related to design, operation, maintenance and use of IOOS including how to improve it in the future. The committee will provide its expert advice to Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, as well as to the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, a separate group comprised of federal agency partners who collectively oversee IOOS development.

IOOS is a federal, regional and private-sector partnership working to enhance the nation’s ability to collect, deliver and use ocean information. IOOS delivers data and information needed to increase understanding of our oceans and coasts, so that decision-makers can act to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect our environment. U.S. IOOS is comprised of eleven Regional Associations (RAs) including the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), which spans the coastal states from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. MARACOOS recognizes that its mission — to seek, discover and apply new knowledge and understanding of our coastal oceanwill be realized through scientific expertise, operational monitoring, and information product delivery in support of the wise use and management of marine and coastal resources. The Monmouth University UCI is a MARACOOS member and collaborator. For more information see: http://maracoos.org/.

“Everyone relies on ocean and coastal data and information, whether they realize it or not,” said Richard Spinrad, Ph.D., chair of the committee and vice president for research at Oregon State University. “These data inform daily weather reports, ensure national and homeland security, help us determine if seafood is safe, and guide cargo ships loaded with goods we will buy at the store. Leading this committee is an important and exciting task to take on.”

“This committee is made up of some of the best minds from all sectors in the field of ocean observations and with the committee’s energy we’ll take a major step forward to increasing access to and improving the way our nation does business in regards to ocean observations,” said Zdenka Willis, U.S. IOOS program director, who serves as the committee’s designated federal officer. “I’m really looking forward to working with this group to serve the nation and improve citizen safety, the economy, and environment.”

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Media contact: Petra Ludwig at 732-263-5507