“Congress makes the following findings:“(1) The health and resilience of the ocean are vital to the security and economy of the United States and to the lives of the people of the United States.
“(2) The United States depends on the ocean to regulate weather and climate, to sustain and protect the diversity of life, for maritime shipping, for national defense, and for food, energy, medicine, recreation, and other services essential to the people of the United States and all humankind.
“(3) The prosperity, security, and well-being of the United States depend on successful understanding and stewardship of the ocean.
“(4) Interdisciplinary cooperation and engagement among government agencies, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, States, Indian Tribes, and the private sector are essential for successful stewardship of ocean and coastal environments, national economic growth, national security, and development of agile strategies that develop, promote, and use new technologies.
“(5) Ocean exploration can help the people of the United States understand how to be effective stewards of the ocean and serve as catalysts and enablers for other sectors of the economy.
“(6) Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the ocean provides basic, essential information to protect and restore the marine environment, stimulate economic activity, and provide security for the United States.
“(7) A robust national ocean exploration program engaging multiple Federal agencies, Indian Tribes, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and academia is—“(A) essential to the interests of the United States and vital to its security and economy and the health and well-being of all people of the United States; and
“(B) critical to reestablish the United States at the forefront of global ocean exploration and stewardship.”
