Trump administration reverses decision to scrap ocean monitoring system
3 hours ago
- #Ocean Observatories Initiative
- #Climate Data
- #Trump Administration
- The Trump administration reversed its plan to dismantle the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative after outcry.
- The National Science Foundation will halt removal of equipment and continue operations, including maintenance.
- An expert panel will assess needs and identify a sustainable path for NSF's ocean observing systems.
- OOI consists of over 900 instruments collecting data on ocean health, currents, climate, and biodiversity.
- Scientists rely on OOI data for research on ocean heating rates and weather forecasting.
- A bipartisan Senate bill was passed to block the dismantling, requiring NSF review before decommissioning.
- The NSF plans to redeploy equipment from the Endurance Array after servicing.
- Trump administration has rolled back science and climate initiatives while promoting deep-sea mining.