Washington (June 4, 2021) – Today U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09) welcomed United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to Woods Hole, Massachusetts to discuss the importance of the Woods Hole science community, the state-of-the-art ocean research technology they are conducting and the role they play in New England’s blue economy.

 

“It was an honor for Congressman Keating and me to welcome Secretary Raimondo to Woods Hole today. Now more than ever, we need our researchers to understand what the climate crisis means for our communities, our fishermen, and our world. And as the seas continue to rise, Woods Hole remains our scientific safe harbor—keeping us anchored in science and keeping our fishing industry strong. With the facilities here in Woods Hole, with their guidance, and with the leadership of Secretary Raimondo, we can manage this crisis and undertake a transformation to a secure, safe, and healthy future for all of us—both on land and at sea,” said Senator Markey.

 

"Thank you, Senator Markey and Representative Keating, for being gracious hosts and inviting me to Woods Hole," said Secretary Raimondo. "I’m grateful for your vocal leadership on climate change and on ensuring that we have facilities to provide us with critical science and data to help us better understand climate change's impact on our oceans, coastal communities, and surrounding ecosystems. President Biden has been clear – this is an administration that will make evidence-based decisions guided by the best available science. I’m proud of the work that is being done in Woods Hole to help us monitor and conserve our oceans and better manage the climate crisis."

 

"It was an honor to join Sen. Markey in welcoming Secretary Raimondo to Woods Hole today as we visited WHOI and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and saw firsthand the work being done in Southeastern Massachusetts to combat climate change," said Congressman Bill Keating. "What we also saw firsthand is the threat that Woods Hole itself faces from rising sea levels and the damage caused by the increase of high-intensity weather events. Today's grant announcement is a big step forward toward climate resiliency in Woods Hole, and Secretary Raimondo's commitment toward continued Department of Commerce investment in the village will ensure that the scientists in Woods Hole can continue to do their important work to protect our planet."

 

Senator Markey, Congressman Keating, and Secretary Raimondo’s visit consisted of a tour of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and another tour of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The Secretary and lawmakers were joined by State Senator Sue Moran and State Representative Dylan Fernandes, in addition to leaders from WHOI, NEFSC, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).