From the National Oceanic Atomospheric Administration (NOAA):

The White House announced on January 26 that the administration would be seeking new funding in fiscal year 2008 for ocean priorities. The request includes more than $140 million over the 2007 budget request level for high priority projects that will advance ocean science and research, protect and restore sensitive marine and coastal areas, promote the sustainable use of ocean resources and enhance domestic seafood supply through environmentally sustainable offshore aquaculture. This budget would increase support for programs at NOAA by $123 million, including $25 million for the sustainable use of ocean resources, $38 million for protection and restoration of marine and coastal areas and $60 million for enhanced ocean science and research.

A new Ocean Research Priorities Plan describes research priorities for the next 10 years, along with related infrastructure needs. Twenty-two research priorities have been identified under several overarching central themes: capability to forecast ocean processes and phenomena; scientific support for ecosystem-based management; and targeted deployment of an ocean observing system.

More information about the proposed budget is available online. In addition, NOAA will host a budget briefing for interested constituents on February 8, 2007.

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