Protect Alaska’s oceans; keep NOAA strong

After 30 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, much of that time at sea, there is no other place that feels more like home than being out on the water. This intrinsic connection to the ocean is something I share with many Alaskans. Those who call this state home share deep connections to the ocean. It is a source of food, economic security, inspiration and recreation. Memories, ancient skills and traditional ways of knowing are tied to its salty depths.

To borrow from John F. Kennedy's observation: "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea — whether it is to sail or to watch it — we are going back from whence we came."

There is no price we can put on the wonders of the oceans and the life teeming within its waters — except when we fail to protect it. Alaska's recent history has enough cautionary tales about why maritime safety is of monumental importance. As the North opens to increased vessel traffic, we must invest in safety at sea. Not to do so is recklessly shortsighted, especially for a state like ours.

[Trump administration seeks deep cuts in NOAA budget]

The battles over the federal budget might seem far-removed from Alaska, but the decisions made in Washington, D.C., directly impact the health, safety and security of Alaskans. Earlier this year, the White House proposed to cut nearly $1 billion from the budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a move echoed by the House's budget, down nearly $700 million over previous years. In late July, I was relieved when the Senate stepped up with a budget that safeguards core NOAA functions, such as critical navigation and regional observation services that will allow the agency to continue serving coastal communities. Now comes the hard part — resolving the differences between the House and Senate budget proposals.

This is when we need our representatives — Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young — to stand strong for Alaska and our ocean. There is a vast difference between trimming the fat and cutting NOAA's services to the bone. Can Alaskans do away with mapping of ocean floors that provide updated nautical charts for safe navigation within our waters? Can we do without NOAA's science that gives us accurate, reliable weather forecasts? Will we give up on ice forecasts in the Arctic that allow mariners safe transit, minimizing our footprint and mitigating any disruptions to marine life in this pristine ecosystem? Should we forego NOAA's scientific support in responding to oil and chemical spills in our waters?

[Sharp budget cuts to Coast Guard, NOAA worry fisheries supporters]

NOAA's actions to mitigate pollutants from destroying the oceans are paramount. Their ocean-observing system collects invaluable data to understand the dynamics of the oceans and develop technologies to cohesively exist with nature. NOAA's missions support a safe marine transportation system for import and export, which in turn sustains our economy and a cherished way of life.

Undermining NOAA devalues the immeasurable contributions that this agency makes to the health of our ocean, our economy and our identity. Our fate has always been, and will remain, anchored to the ocean.

Buddy Custard served for three decades in the U.S. Coast Guard and is the president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network.

The views expressed here are the writer's and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@alaskadispatch.com.