Hawaii Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye are joining a newly formed Senate Oceans Caucus, which meets for the first time today.

The 18-member group is set to select leadership in its first meeting. Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski has already announced that she will be a co-chair. Murkowski said in a statement that the group’s mission will be to provide a platform for discussions about coastal bays, estuaries and deep seas. 

“The (caucus) will educate Members by hosting briefings and lectures regarding the latest in ocean research and policy, from the state of coral reefs in the south to settling international disputes over Arctic resources,” Murkowski said. 

A spokesman for Akaka confirmed that he will serve on the caucus, but not in a leadership position. Akaka’s spokesman told DC808 that Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse will co-chair with Murkowski. 

Other members of the caucus include Sens. Mark Begich, D-Alaska; Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.; Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.; Scott Brown, R-Mass.; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Tom Carper, D-Del.;  Chris Coons, D-Del.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; John Kerry, D-Mass.; Mary Landrieu, D-La.; Patty Murray, D-Wash.; Olympia Snowe, R-Maine; Ron Wyden, D-Ore.