NOAA, Shell Exploration & Production, ConocoPhillips and Statoil USA E&P Inc. in August signed an agreement to share scientific data sets on ocean, coastal and climate science for the Arctic. This agreement provides a framework among the signatories to share high-quality data, including weather and ocean observations, biological information, and sea ice and seafloor mapping studies.
NOAA said sharing such information will enhance its ability to monitor climate change and provide useful products and services that inform responsible energy exploration activities in the region. The companies have agreed to share with the U.S. government data for meteorology, sea ice studies, biological science, hydrographic services and mapping, and currents, circulation and waves.
Data and information will be shared with the public through NOAA’s existing products and services to the extent possible, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and procedures, the agency said.
Integrating these data could also provide a greater national capacity to effectively manage and respond to environmental disasters, such as hazardous spills, in an area where limited personnel and facilities exist. NOAA said it will conduct quality control on all data provided to the agency under this agreement before it is incorporated into NOAA products and services.
NOAA said the dramatic reduction in sea ice as a result of climate change raises new environmental, economic and national security issues that demand extensive and collaborative analysis.
“Despite the wealth of scientific research conducted on the Arctic environment to date, much remains unknown, and no single government agency or entity has the resources or capacity to meet the task alone,” said Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This innovative partnership will significantly expand NOAA’s access to important data, enhance our understanding of the region and improve the United States’ ability to manage critical environmental issues efficiently and effectively as climate change continues to impact the Arctic.”
