Tuesday, October 12, 2010

NGS Participates in Hydrographic Services Review Panel Public Meeting

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a Federal Advisory Committee that advises the NOAA Administrator, convened a public meeting in Vancouver, Washington, October 12-13. The Panel deliberated on NOAA’s hydrographic services and matters that affect marine transportation, safe navigation, commercial shipping, ocean and coastal stewardship, coastal and marine spatial planning, recreational boating, and ocean policy. A special session focused on the West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health. Speakers addressed sea-floor mapping, climate change and sea-level rise impacts, and other initiatives under the Agreement. In addition, a panel of stakeholders discussed matters pertaining to hydrographic services on the Columbia River. The directors of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, and National Geodetic Survey presented updates on NOAA navigation services. David Kennedy, NOS Assistant Administrator (actg.), discussed NOS activities, and Dr. Larry Robinson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, provided opening remarks. For more information, contact Doug Brown.