Amendments
2021—[Pub. L. 116–283] amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to establishment and purposes of National Oceanographic Partnership Program. As enacted by [Pub. L. 116–283], “SEC.” preceding section designation and catchline text were editorially conformed to the style used in this title.
2018—[Pub. L. 115–232] renumbered section 7901 of this title as this section.
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by [Pub. L. 115–232] effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see [section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232], set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.
Congressional Findings
[Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title II, § 281], Sept. 23, 1996, [110 Stat. 2469], provided that: “Congress finds the following:“(1)
The oceans and coastal areas of the United States are among the Nation’s most valuable natural resources, making substantial contributions to economic growth, quality of life, and national security.
“(2)
Oceans drive global and regional climate. Hence, they contain information affecting agriculture, fishing, and the prediction of severe weather.
“(3)
Understanding of the oceans through basic and applied research is essential for using the oceans wisely and protecting their limited resources. Therefore, the United States should maintain its world leadership in oceanography as one key to its competitive future.
“(4)
Ocean research and education activities take place within Federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry. These entities often have similar requirements for research facilities, data, and other resources (such as oceanographic research vessels).
“(5)
The need exists for a formal mechanism to coordinate existing partnerships and establish new partnerships for the sharing of resources, intellectual talent, and facilities in the ocean sciences and education, so that optimal use can be made of this most important natural resource for the well-being of all Americans.”