Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Research topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee advances resolution honoring Oregon Institute of Marine Biology’s 100 years
Summary
The Senate Committee on Rules voted to move Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 to the floor with a recommendation to adopt, recognizing the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology’s centennial and its contributions to marine research, education and local coastal communities.
The Senate Committee on Rules voted to advance Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 on March 24, recommending adoption by the full Senate. The resolution recognizes the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) for 100 years of marine research and service.
The measure, introduced as SCR 20, notes OIMB’s research and educational work and states there is no fiscal or revenue impact. Supporters told the committee the institute has had statewide and international impact through research, student training and partnerships.
Sen. **** Anderson (State Senator, District 5) told the committee he has seen “OIMB’s scientific discovery, advancement of our understanding of marine ecosystems and the invaluable education to students and researchers,” and urged support for SCR 20. Sen. Lou Frederick (State Senator, District 22) described the Charleston laboratories as “an amazing spot” that brings together multiple scientific disciplines and predicted the campus will continue producing high‑level researchers.
Craig Young, director of OIMB and professor of biology at the University of Oregon, described OIMB as the third‑oldest West Coast marine institute and cited long‑running research programs. Young said OIMB researchers were among the first to demonstrate that microscopic marine organisms could be transported via ship ballast water — a discovery he said led to worldwide regulatory responses — and that OIMB faculty contributed to the designation of a national estuarine research site near Charleston. He also cited the program’s role in research supporting management of Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery and in training more than 400 University of Oregon students who spend multiple terms at the OIMB campus.
Judith Eisen, head of the University of Oregon Department of Biology, told the committee that OIMB’s facilities provide “unparalleled access for students and faculty to study marine organisms and ecosystems” and highlighted work on kelp forest decline and sea star wasting disease in partnership with other stakeholders.
In a subsequent work session the committee voted to send SCR 20 to the Senate floor with a “B – Adopted” recommendation. The roll call in the committee recorded “aye” votes from members identified in the transcript, and the motion passed.
The resolution does not appropriate funds and committee materials state there is no fiscal or revenue impact. The committee closed the public hearing on SCR 20 and opened the next item on the agenda.
