The U.S. Senate advanced bipartisan legislation to increase the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) use of unmanned maritime systems.
Unmanned maritime systems are remotely piloted or autonomously operated underwater vehicles that collect data. The bill, the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act (S. 2511), would require NOAA to establish procedures for the agency to assess and acquire unmanned systems technology. Further, the bill would urge the NOAA to partner with the Secretary of the Navy on unmanned maritime systems technology. It would also direct NOAA to engage in partnerships with the private and academic sectors to improve their observation capabilities.
The measure would encourage private sector research and development and ensure that marine data is available for use by academic, national security, and commercial interests.
“Unmanned maritime systems are revolutionizing the way we explore our nation’s oceans,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), who co-sponsored the bill, said. “This legislation will provide a much-needed boost to NOAA’s efforts to harness the capabilities of this technology by leveraging the Navy’s expertise. I am hopeful President Trump will sign this bill soon so that we can begin to see the benefits for our defense, environment, commerce, fisheries, and disaster planning efforts.”
The NOAA hopes that improved data collection will help the National Weather Service improve its weather forecasting. Such information could help coastal states like Mississippi avoid billions of dollars in catastrophic losses from hurricanes and other violent storms.
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast also stands to benefit from increased investment in ocean technology, or the “blue economy.” This region is one of the few places in the United States where extensive testing of unmanned maritime systems occurs. The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University, among others, are leading institutions for unmanned systems research. This research and development activity will attract commercial investment to the area, according to a statement released by Wicker’s office.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) co-sponsored the bill with Wicker. U.S. Reps. Steven Palazzo (MS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which advanced last week.