NOAA, INDONESIAN MINISTRY SIGN AGREEMENT TO ADVANCE COASTAL, MARINE EFFORTS

The U.S. and Indonesia have pledged to collaborate on climate and fisheries sciences, as well as Earth observations today as NOAA and Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries signed of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies to formalize the transfer of technology, data and information.

“Our agencies share a history of cooperation that spans over many years,” said Richard W. Spinrad, NOAA director of oceanic and atmospheric research, who represented NOAA at the signing ceremony in Jakarta. “This agreement demonstrates a renewed commitment for partnership between our two nations.”

Spinrad noted that Indonesia made an important contribution to the Global Earth Observation Systems of Systems (GEOSS) by launching the Indonesia Ocean Observing System in support of regional and coastal observation efforts to help meet needs for new forecasts and predictions.

“We also will support mitigation of coastal hazards, as well as the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System efforts in Indonesia and regionally,” Spinrad said.

“Efforts by Minister Freddy Numberi and his agency resulted in the passage of Coastal Zone and Small Islands Act recently by the Indonesian House of Representatives. That legislation will help long-term programs, such as the Sea Partnership Program and the U.S. Sea Grant program to collaborate, and provide educational opportunities that foster the next generation of leaders in science and technology,” Spinrad said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is celebrating 200 years of science and service to the nation. From the establishment of the Survey of the Coast in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson to the formation of the Weather Bureau and the Commission of Fish and Fisheries in the 1870s, much of America's scientific heritage is rooted in NOAA.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging GEOSS, NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

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