Posted on August 14, 2023
Chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Violet Sage Walker, was appointed to the federal Ocean Research Advisory Panel on Aug. 1.
The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORP) will provide independent recommendations to the federal government on ocean research policy and implement policies and procedures as part of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.
Walker joins 17 other members appointed by the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as well as the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
“Formation of the Ocean Research Advisory Panel is a major milestone for U.S. ocean science and policy, and reinforces the President’s historic commitments to tackle climate change while creating good jobs, embracing environmental justice and basing action on science and knowledge,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., deputy director for climate and environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “Coming from industry, universities and civil society, the ORAP members bring depth of experience and diversity of perspectives on the ocean from across our nation. ORAP will help guide federal government efforts to tackle some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for our ocean, in conjunction with states, tribes, territories, communities, businesses and the broader marine community.”
The members selected to the ORAP are:
- Violet Sage Walker, Northern Chumash Tribal Council Chairwoman
- Claudia Benitez-Nelson, National Academies’ Ocean Studies Board; University of South Carolina
- Derek Brockbank, Coastal States Organization
- Jorge Corredor, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (retired)
- Danielle Dickson, North Pacific Research Board
- Tim Gallaudet, Ocean STL Consulting, LLC
- Mary Glackin, National Academies’ Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
- Eunah Hoh, San Diego State University
- Sandra Knight, Marine Board of the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board; WaterWonks LLC
- Tommy Moore, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
- Christopher Ostrander, Marine Technology Society
- Claire Beatrix Paris-Limouzy, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric & Earth Science, University of Miami
- Purnima Ratilal-Makris, Northeastern University
- Edward Saade, Circum-Pacific Council; EJS Solutions
- Ana Spalding, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Oregon State University
- Amy Trice, Northeast Regional Ocean Council
- Maria Tzortziou, The City College of New York, City University of New York
- Kawika Winter, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai’i
“The ocean has never been more important – it regulates our climate and provides jobs, nourishment, recreation and respite. These experts will provide the Ocean Policy Committee with the technical and policy advice to support ocean health and a strong blue economy,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and co-chair of the Ocean Policy Committee.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Science Support will assist the ORAP in the day-to-day activities of the Panel and carry out various statutory responsibilities.
Congress directed the establishment of the ORAP in Section 1055(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
