The Alaska State Legislature has passed a resolution urging the United States Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to address the frequent outages of National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) meteorological/ocean stations in the state. These stations are crucial for collecting real-time data on marine conditions, which is essential for ensuring maritime safety, particularly given Alaska's extensive coastline and reliance on fishing, tourism, and oil transportation. The resolution highlights the critical role of the Seal Rocks Buoy, which has experienced multiple outages, impacting the ability of the U.S. Coast Guard to make informed decisions regarding navigation safety in the Hinchinbrook Entrance.

The resolution calls for Congress to include provisions in appropriations legislation that would enhance the reliability of NDBC stations and ensure their full functionality. It also urges NOAA to collaborate with Alaska's congressional delegation to develop regulations that address the unique challenges posed by Alaska's weather and remote nature, emphasizing the importance of safe navigation for the state's economy and environment. The resolution expresses concern that continued outages could lead to dangerous situations for mariners and potentially catastrophic oil spills, which would have severe consequences for local ecosystems and communities.