Trump administration dismantles critical ocean-floor observation network
8 hours ago
- #Oceanography
- #Climate Science
- #Environmental Policy
- The Trump administration is decommissioning the $370 million Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), removing over 900 deep-sea sensors installed to provide real-time climate data.
- This action aligns with Project 2025's recommendations from the Heritage Foundation, which labeled the OOI as a source of 'climate alarmism' and advised disbanding climate-change research.
- The OOI monitored ocean conditions across regions including Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and the Irminger Sea, tracking climate impacts like ocean acidification, marine heatwaves, and Atlantic current changes.
- Despite Congress restoring funding after proposed 80% cuts, the NSF moved ahead with dismantling the network, citing cost reasons even after managers tried to cut data collection to save it.
- Scientists warn that losing this data compromises understanding of climate change, ocean health, and fisheries management, pushing the U.S. back in global scientific leadership.