A buoy in rough waters

I work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep the public informed of the changing environment around them.

Specifically, my career has focused on the Great Lakes and communicating the research of our scientists who monitor, protect, and restore our lakes and the surrounding habitat. The National Weather Service — a critical part of NOAA — provides the data, forecasts, warnings, and related services to protect life and property and enhance our nation’s economy. You all use and benefit from this information every day.

To me, supporting science and environmental protection should be nonpartisan issues. Always. Don’t we all want clean water and air, sustainable fisheries, safe navigation for boating and shipping, and a habitat that is safe for our children and grandchildren to enjoy long after we leave this world?

It saddens me to see my hardworking colleagues maligned and the important work they do disregarded with the stroke of a key or slash of a pen.

Regardless of how we lean politically, we need to protect things that are important and critical, not only to our personal wellbeing but for the greater good of our nation. Science and the bright minds that pursue it are among those things.

I feel a buoy is an apt reference here. Buoys are like beacons or signals, used to guide passage for mariners or warn of navigational dangers. Buoys can also be floating sensor platforms to monitor dozens of weather and water conditions. A buoy floats but beneath the surface they are still securely anchored to keep them steady and in place no matter the changing conditions — waves, currents and storms.

Science and agencies like NOAA are these anchors. In rough waters, we must keep them firmly in place.

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