There is no substitute for the opportunity to communicate face to face with legislators. In March, Debra Hernandez and SECOORA Board members spent time in Washington D.C. meeting with legislators’ staff to educate them on the importance of coastal and ocean observing.
Meetings were positive. Everyone agreed, ocean observing is important to understanding our coastal ecosystems and supporting our coastal economy. Many of our Congressional members have supported the IOOS Association Closing the Gaps campaign, which will be in its fourth year in FY2020. The challenge continues to be keeping funding for IOOS a priority.
President’s FY20 Budget – Cuts to IOOS Regional Associations
The FY 2020 President’s Budget suggests an almost 50% funding cut for IOOS Regional Associations. A cut of this magnitude would mean observing infrastructure would need to be removed from the water and critical data and information products would not be available.
Outreach to legislators ensures there are not cuts to SECOORA or other IOOS Regional Associations; making sure everyone continues to have uninterrupted access to the coastal data and information they need.
How You Can Help
Pictured is Board Member Mitchell Roffer in front of the the United States Capital during his Hill Visits to Washington D.C.
Contact us to reach out to your congressional representatives and voice support for SECOORA and IOOS. Email abbey@secooraorgpact.wpengine.com today.
Related news
SECOORA Funding Opportunity Announcement: Letters of Intent Solicitation
SECOORA will submit a coordinated regional proposal in response to the anticipated FY 2026 Implementation of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) funding opportunity. Letters of Intent to be considered for inclusion in SECOORA’s full proposal are due September 9, 2025.
SECOORA Hosts the First Surface Elevation Table (SET) Community of Practice Virtual Workshop
The SECOORA SET Workshop was virtual on July 17, 2025. More than 50 Community of Practice members and stakeholders joined this collaborative workshop to discuss SET monitoring, coastal resilience, and data-driven decision making in the Southeast.
The Sounds of the Sound: Connecting the Port Royal Sound Community with What’s in the Water
Port Royal Sound in Beaufort, South Carolina is a thriving haven for animals, plants, and people. Research focused on listening to the animals that live in the Sound – specifically the resident dolphins – connects the community with the underwater world without having to go swimming.