On July 15, 2009, the Natural Science Collections Alliance submitted comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy on the revision of the 2007 “Charting the Course” report. The report, which identifies and prioritizes ocean science and technology endeavors over the next decade, is currently being revised and refreshed.
In its comments, NSC Alliance highlighted the diversity and value of natural science collections in advancing ocean-related sciences and informing sound environmental policy. “The NSC Alliance encourages the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST) to work to ensure that the revised ocean research priorities plan includes appropriate policies and funding for natural science collections involved with the collection and curation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes specimens and data. Specifically, natural science collections should be identified as a “necessary tool” for implementing Theme 1, Stewardship of Natural and Cultural Ocean Resources, and Theme 5, Improving Ecosystem Health, of Charting the Course.”
The public comment period for the revision of “Charting the Course” is open until 5 pm on July 17, 2009. For more information, go to http://www.aibs.org/federal-register-resource/2009_06_24.html#010728.
To read the comments submitted by NSC Alliance, click here.