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Media Advisory: Ocean Science Exploration Congressional Staff Briefing


September 17, 2014

On the 50th anniversary year of the nation’s deep-sea research submersible Alvin, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will brief the House of Representatives staff on scientific exploration of the ocean and its benefits to the nation.

What: Congressional Briefing coordinated with Rep. William Keating and Rep. Joseph Kennedy

When: Wed., Sept. 17, 2014, 11 a.m.

Location: Rayburn House Office Building room 2325

Who: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists:

  • Dr. Susan Avery, President and Director
  • Dr. Larry Madin, Exec. Vice President & Dir. of Research
  • Dr. Carol Anne Clayson, Senior Scientist, Physical Oceanographer
  • Dr. David Gallo, Dir. of Special Projects

Background

Fifty years since it was first commissioned, the Alvin research submersible continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, students, and explorers. At a time when major changes are occurring in the ocean, Alvin has helped spur the development of new generations of ocean technology and vehicles enabling us to expand our scientific exploration of the ocean, and filling critical gaps in our ability to anticipate and respond to global change.

The risks associated with ignoring the ocean are real. The ocean is warming; it is becoming more acidic; it is becoming less oxygenated; it is losing sea ice; sea levels are rising; there are fewer fish; it is becoming more polluted. These changes are affecting water supplies, agriculture, coastal infrastructure and populations, transportation, fisheries and food supplies—all of which profoundly affect our economy, health, welfare, and national competitiveness and security.

Our present understanding of the ocean is a result of wise national investment in scientific exploration.  The return on that federal investment includes transformative discoveries and revolutionary technologies and innovations that will guide the investment of tens of billion of dollars in public and private infrastructure and enterprises. By expanding our observations of the ocean, we can improve our models, reduce uncertainties, and produce better predictions about future conditions for the ocean and for our planet.

Contact

WHOI Media Relations, media@whoi.edu
o: 508-289-3340
c: 508-566-3055