All funding cut for Aquarius

[Reck Diver]

So color me stupid, but who exactly funds NOAA? I was under the assumption it came out of the federal budget

 

[Wookie]

So color me stupid, but who exactly funds NOAA? I was under the assumption it came out of the federal budget

In the case of the "Party Boat", it was funded from fines received from illegal fishing. Those fines cannot go into the federal budget, so LE is allowed to use the proceeds to support LE activities. Most LE organizations are using that type of money to buy fuel for their LE boats, etc.

 

[Captain12Pk]

OK. So where does NOAA's annual budget originate?

 

[Thalassamania]

Here's next year's request: NOAA Budget Office - FY 2012 Blue Book (Budget Summary)

It does not include things like illegal fishing fines.

 

[Captain12Pk]

So NOAA is in fact funded via the Federal Gov't.

Thank you.

 

[Thalassamania]

Most of NOAA is, some of it isn't. I believe that there are some user fees in there too.

 

[Reck Diver]

Most of NOAA is, some of it isn't. I believe that there are some user fees in there too.

There are user fees throughout the federal government, I pay one every time I enter Everglades National Park for instance. However please don't discount that without the "we the people" paying taxes, the people running around on the NOAA party boat would have to find honest employment.

 

[lpurcell]

Too bad funding was cut. I did 2 Hydrolab (predecessor to Aquarius) missions at St. Croix in the mid '80s. Tremendous opportunity to get alot of reef research done in short time. Unfortunately, it appears our government can no longer afford such things. Just like each of us, when money is tight you have to prioritize........

 

[timg]

Quick update:
A new nonprofit has been formed, Aquarius Foundation. I will post the new web site soon.
We are working on a BOD and there are about 16 on the Advisory Board as of this date.
There are folks right now in DC attending Capital Hill Ocean Week functions talking about Aquarius.
Our next meeting is June 12th, hope to have more info to share at that point.

As always, I welcome your feedback on this forum or a PM.

Thanks.

Aquarius Foundation's first Board Meeting
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4008860941254.174550.1273119203&type=3&l=99e4b72e68

 

[timg]

July 11 Update:

Training has started or the July mission. Aquanauts are:
Sylvia Earle
Mark Patterson
DJ Roller
Dale Stokes

Saturation begins July 14, they come out on July 21.

Right now there are some live feeds during training, but the whole mission goes live on the 14th.

We have a YouTube Aquarius Reef Base - YouTube and UStream.TV link Aquarius Reef Base, Ustream.TV: Aquarius is an underwater laboratory and home to scientists for missions up to 10 days long, but to call Aquarius a home is...

Foundation is proceeding, planning, making connections and we have a very optimistic outlook.

Stay tuned.

I am diving there tomorrow with Miami Herald reporter Cammy Clark, so watch for her story this weekend.

Once the mission begins, I will post updates from the main site and the FB sites.
ARB: https://www.facebook.com/AquariusReefBase
Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aquarius-Foundation/379290845466951

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