On August 1, 2023, 18 ocean experts began their appointment as members of the Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP). The 18 ORAP members include representatives from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, ocean industries, state, tribal, territorial or local governments, and academia. Among the 18 individuals chosen is Chris Ostrander, Marine Technology Society (MTS) Chief Executive Officer. 

"I am honored to join colleagues Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, US Navy (ret) and Mary Glackin, along with a great cadre of research leaders, to serve in this advisory role to the U.S. Ocean Policy Committee (OPC) on topics spanning ocean policy, marine technology, ocean research, and the blue economy. Sustaining a thriving U.S. ocean research community, alongside the exceptional talent and innovative technologies of our ocean enterprise business community, is essential to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing our ocean," said Chris Ostrander, MTS CEO. 

The ORAP’s responsibilities include advising the OPC on:

• policies and procedures to implement the National Oceanographic Partnership Program; 
• matters relating to national oceanographic science, engineering, facilities or resource requirements; 
• improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the ocean sciences and related fields;
• national ocean research priorities; and 
• additional responsibilities that the OPC considers appropriate.

ORAP management falls under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA Research’s Office of Science Support will support the day-to-day activities of ORAP and will carry out various statutory responsibilities for administration of the panel.

The ORAP is governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees. 

Click here to read the full press release from NOAA, including a complete list of ORAP members.