The Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii was awarded $2.9 million by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for fiscal year 2009.

The award was announced today jointly by U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye.
“These resources support important research that enhances our understanding of deep sea ecosystems, while sustaining U.S. leadership in this field,” Akaka said in a news release. “The valuable information gained can help us plan for climate change and improve management and restoration of vital ocean resources.”
Added Inouye, “The Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory is vital to the study and understanding of deep ocean processes. The continued funding of this laboratory maintains the vast potential for new discoveries and continues to broaden our understanding of deep sea geology and its impact on ecosystem and climate change.”
The Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory is the Hawaii and Western Pacific headquarters for NOAA’s Undersea Research Program.