Feds will abruptly dismantle system monitoring climate change, oceans

5 hours ago

The National Science Foundation is dismantling most of the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a major ocean monitoring network, more than a decade earlier than planned.
Critics warn this will cause a 'tragic' loss of crucial data on marine heat waves, hurricanes, fisheries, and long-term climate shifts as oceans reach record temperatures.
Four of the five remaining arrays will be removed by summer 2027, ending real-time monitoring capabilities, despite annual maintenance costs around $40 million.
The NSF cites shifting scientific priorities and a 'nimbler approach,' but this justification has been disputed by the National Academies and report authors.
The decision aligns with pressure to cut budgets and deemphasize 'climate alarmism,' reflecting broader political influences on climate-related research.
Scientists highlight the system's unique scale and continuous measurements of ocean depths, which satellites cannot replicate, threatening climate, fisheries, and national security insights.
The removal coincides with key climate phenomena, such as potential Atlantic circulation changes and El Niño developments, risking validation of climate models.
Only one array monitoring seismic activity will remain, with calls for continued investment as other countries increase their ocean science capabilities.

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