Recognizing 200 years of research, service to the people of the United States, and stewardship of the marine environment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies, and for other purposes.

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies over a 200-year period to human understanding of the oceans and atmosphere and their stewardship of the marine environment; (2) the vision of President Thomas Jefferson in supporting scientific advancement and coastal surveys; and (3) the contributions of employees and officers of the Coast Survey, the National Geodetic Survey, and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.