Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP)

The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) was formed to advise the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC) and is called on to provide independent recommendations through an expanded version of the Panel that includes resource management. From 2006-2011, the ORAP operated as the Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel (ORRAP). The Panel returned to its original name, ORAP, in 2011. The National Ocean Council Deputy-level Committee has assumed the duties of the statutorily mandated NORLC. Membership of ORAP is comprised of individuals from the National Academies, state government, academia, and ocean industries, representing marine science, marine policy, and other related fields, which now specifically include resource management. The ORAP is an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and in fact is the only FACA body chartered to advise all the “ocean agencies.”

On 19 July 2010, the President released Executive Order 13547, adopting the final recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, which specifically designates ORAP to “provide independent advice and guidance” to the Cabinet-level National Ocean Council.

Additional information on the Panel and its responsibilities can be found in the ORAP Charter.

ORAP Sub-panels:
Recognizing the particular importance of certain topics to the U.S. ocean science and education enterprise, the ORAP has established three Sub-panels and one Task Force to examine these topics in greater depth. The sub-groups present recommendations for the ORAP to refine and provide to the heads of federal agencies. To learn more about them, please visit the ORAP Sub-groups page.

Transition to a New Administration

Fulfilling its mandate to provide independent guidance and recommendations to federal agencies, and recognizing the opportunity to advise the incoming Obama administration on ways to maximize the benefits of ocean research and resources, the ORAP developed a strategic transition document. This document, and the high-priority recommendations contained within, can be viewed here.

Special topic: Ocean Acidification

Recognizing a topic of national priority, and with the objective of assisting the agencies responding to the FOARAM Act, ORAP worked quickly to stand up and Ocean Acidification Task Force (OATF) comprised of eminent professionals versed in ocean acidification issues. The OATF was impaneled on March 15, 2010, to develop priorities and review gaps in federal plans; bring perspectives from the academic sector and beyond (e.g., NGOs, foundations); and present recommendations to ORAP. As a result of the OATF’s thorough and efficient work, ORAP was able to deliver substantive recommendations to the IWGOA in early August 2010. The recommendations are contained in this report.

Special topic: Transitioning Research to Applications

To address the issue of transitioning research to applications, ORAP recommended the formation of a special task force—the Research to Applications Task Force (RATF)—to provide recommendations for increased transitioning of funded research. RATF was formed in the fall of 2006 and submitted its report to ORAP in the summer of 2007. The ORAP unanimously accepted the report and submitted it to the agency head-level NORLC, where it was likewise favorably received.

The report can be viewed by clicking here.

Membership

Dr. Margaret Leinen, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute – Chair
Dr. Steven Ramberg, National Defense University - Vice-Chair
Dr. Robert Weller, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution – Vice-Chair
VADM Paul Gaffney, (USN Ret.), Monmouth University
Dr. Dennis Bartels, Exploratorium
Dr. Don Boesch, National Academies rep, Ocean Studies Board
Dr. Dan Costa, University of California, Santa Cruz
Ms. Jane Davis, Walt Disney World Animal Programs
Mr. Randy Fisher, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Dr. John Gannon, International Joint Commission (ret.)
Mr. Paul Kelly, Rowan Companies (ret.)
Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, Conservation International
Mr. Kerry St. Pé, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
Dr. Michael Bruno, Stevens Institute of Technology
Dr. Peter Brewer, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Designated Federal Official (DFO):
Dr. Linwood Vincent, Office of Naval Research

Program Manager:
Leigh Zimmermann, Consortium for Ocean Leadership — Have questions? Contact Leigh

Meetings

The ORAP typically meets three times per year to advise on policies and procedures to implement NOPP and provide recommendations on interagency activities as considered appropriate. Its Sub-panels meet as needed. Documents from these meetings can be found through the links listed below. The most recent ORAP meeting was held on 25-26 April in Washington, DC.