Conference On Ocean Literacy

VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. US Navy (Ret.)Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and AtmosphereNOAA AdministratorJune 7, 2006

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NOAA’s VisionNOAA’s VisionAn informed society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the oceans, coasts, and atmosphere in the global ecosystem to make the best social and economic decisions.

Conference On Ocean Literacy

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NOAA’s future depends on creating an ocean

literate society

NOAA’s future depends on creating an ocean

literate societyHuman behavior impacts ocean health

By 2010, approximately 61% of NOAA’s oceanographers will be eligible for retirement.

NOAA needs the best and brightest students from diverse backgrounds to become fascinated with the sea.

Conference On Ocean Literacy

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How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

NOAA predicts there will be 4 to 6 major hurricanes in the Atlantic this year.

Ocean forecasting influences decisions farmers make in Kansas.

As the ocean changes, so will its influence on weather and climate.

“The ocean is a major influence

on weather and climate.”

Conference On Ocean Literacy

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How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

Protecting marine habitats provides nurseries for our fisheries which are a significant contribution to GNP.

Each new discovery has the potential to lead to new advances in medicine and biotechnology.

New polymers found in marine snail egg capsules can rebuild soft-tissue.

“The ocean supports a great diversity

of life and ecosystems.”

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How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

How do the Essential Principles connect to

NOAA?

USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommends that Americans eat two or more servings of fish a week.

The ocean provides us with fresh water and oxygen.

The ocean creates more than 13 million jobs in the U.S.

“The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.”

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How is NOAA using the Essential

Principles?

How is NOAA using the Essential

Principles?Environmental Literacy Grants

NOAA Education Council

Ocean Exploration program

Sanctuary Program

Estuarine-based curriculum

Teacher-at-Sea program

Teacher At Sea, Susan Carty

Sea Grant, Becky Stamski—

Monterey Bay Sanctuary

Ocean Exploration—Aquarius

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NOAA needs your help

NOAA needs your help

To communicate The importance of the

ocean and the impact we are having on it

To find New ways to interact with

the ocean, improving its health and ours