Resolution: Congressional Authorization and Appropriations for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
Adopted on September 29, 2005

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Whereas, 60 countries including the United States and Canada and more than 40 international organizations are supporting the development of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS); and

Whereas, the Congress of the United States and the U.S. National Ocean Research Leadership Council have identified as a high priority the implementation of an ocean and coastal observing system that incorporates integrated regional systems, including one focused on the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, such a regional system for the Great Lakes is currently under development in the form of the Great Lakes Observing System, as guided by a broad mix of stakeholders active throughout the region and supported by a previous resolution of the Great Lakes Commission; and

Whereas, the U.S. General Accounting Office has recommended the development of a monitoring system, integrated indicator development, and centralized regional coordination for the Great Lakes Basin to track overall restoration progress; and

Whereas, the President's Ocean Action Plan, in response to the Commission on Ocean Policy recommendations, calls for support of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and the work of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC), including implementation of the Great Lakes portion of the GEOSS; and

Whereas, the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is an integral part of GEOSS planning and includes an achievable implementation strategy recommended by the GLRC for improving Great Lakes monitoring of physical, chemical and biological indicators throughout the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River system; and

Whereas, the U.S. Senate has passed S. 361, "The Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2005" and the U.S. House of Representatives is considering similar legislation during this session;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges the U.S. Congress to pass all necessary authorization legislation in due speed and appropriate funds to implement the observing and monitoring system improvements for the Great Lakes called for by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.

Adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Annual Meeting, Sept. 29, 2005, in Ann Arbor, Mich.