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vessels and the research platform FLIP, as well as the future base of Research Vessel Sally Ride, currently under construc- tion. Our Nimitz pier is currently being renovated, and it is vital that our ships are able to relocate to temporary berths nearby, which is possible using Port of San Diego facilities. The strength and rapid expansion of marine-related businesses in the San Diego area provide key advantages for us. These range from maritime employment and support for our ship fa- cilities, which pump nearly $30 million per year directly into the maritime economy, to linking with marine businesses for ocean exploration. Engineers at Scripps are able to create in- novative new instruments at our Marine Science Development Center, and then contract with machine shops throughout the community to take advantage of the strong local high-tech manufacturing sector. Scripps routinely connects with mari- time experts around the San Diego area to leverage their skills and expertise. Do you see yourself as part of the ?Blue Tech? community here? Absolutely. At Scripps, we are strengthening al- liances with the private sector to play a stronger and more vibrant role as part of the rapidly growing marine economy. The ocean historically has been the lifeblood of the San Diego region. Scripps receives support from our maritime neighbors and gives back in many ways; for example, our Coastal Data In- formation Program (CDIP), which has been a vital component of the California coastline for nearly 40 years. A network of CDIP ocean buoys positioned at key locations transmits data crucial not only for science, but for coastal management, wave forecasting, and maritime navigation. Are there advantages by being part of this Blue Tech cluster? Explain. Scripps is tackling some of the most challenging is- sues facing our planet today, from air and water pollution to climate change, natural hazards and Þ nding new medicines from the sea to treat modern diseases. It takes a broad spec- trum of supporting organizations in the maritime sector to support us in these investigations and help us Þ nd solutions. Not only do we have leading marine scientists, but we also train the next generation of ocean and earth science leaders. Being based at the heart of a dynamic blue tech sector sup-ports these efforts and ensures that these students have the necessary capabilities at hand.www.marinetechnologynews.com Marine Technology Reporter 45MTR #8 (34-49).indd 45MTR #8 (34-49).indd 4510/10/2014 11:27:51 AM10/10/2014 11:27:51 AM
