Developing Tsunami-Resilient Communities The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program

Eddie Bernard has served as Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) since 1982, where he leads a staff of 175 scientists, engineers, and technical support specialists in oceanographic research related to El Ninos, fisheries/ climate interactions, impact of underwater volcanoes on the oceans, and tsunami. Since receiving his Ph.D. in physical oceanography in 1976, he has published over 70 scientific/technical articles on tsunamis and other oceanographic topics. During his 34 year career in NOAA, he has also sailed on oceanographic research vessels and directed the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. In 1997 he was elected the first Chair of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program- a five state, three agency partnership to reduce the impact of tsunamis on US coastlines. In 2002 he received the prestigious Presidential Rank Award from President Bush for his exceptional service to the public.