
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 10USC7901]

 
                         TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES
 
                    Subtitle C--Navy and Marine Corps
 
                     PART IV--GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
 
         CHAPTER 665--NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
 
Sec. 7901. National Oceanographic Partnership Program

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Navy shall establish a 
program to be known as the ``National Oceanographic Partnership 
Program''.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are as follows:
        (1) To promote the national goals of assuring national security, 
    advancing economic development, protecting quality of life, and 
    strengthening science education and communication through improved 
    knowledge of the ocean.
        (2) To coordinate and strengthen oceanographic efforts in 
    support of those goals by--
            (A) identifying and carrying out partnerships among Federal 
        agencies, academia, industry, and other members of the 
        oceanographic scientific community in the areas of data, 
        resources, education, and communication; and
            (B) reporting annually to Congress on the program.

(Added Pub. L. 104-201, div. A, title II, Sec. 282(a)(1), Sept. 23, 
1996, 110 Stat. 2470.)


                         Congressional Findings

    Section 281 of Pub. L. 104-201 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.''
