National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle oceans-monitoring network after outcry
NSF halts dismantling of ocean monitoring network after bipartisan backlash from lawmakers and scientists concerned about climate data and public safety.
- On Thursday, the National Science Foundation announced it will halt plans to dismantle the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, reversing course after intense bipartisan backlash from Congress.
- In late May, the agency initiated a 'descoping' strategy to remove hundreds of sensors from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, sparking widespread criticism from lawmakers who warned it threatened critical climate data.
- On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to block federal funds for decommissioning the system, with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Jeff Merkley calling the earlier plan 'supreme stupidity.'
- The NSF confirmed it will redeploy equipment already removed from waters off Oregon and Washington state, though House Science Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren cautioned the agency must address damage caused by its initial actions.
- Moving forward, the agency will convene an expert panel to ensure a sustainable path for the initiative, which has informed over 500 scientific publications and remains essential for tracking global climate patterns.
74 Articles
74 Articles
The Trump administration is abandoning the plan to dismantle an advanced ocean measurement system used for scientific research. The proposal drew criticism from both Democratic and Republican quarters because the system provides important information about sea water warming and climate change.
Alaska Beacon
U.S. scientific instruments in oceans off Alaska and elsewhere to remain in place
A glider is deployed in the Gulf of Alaska as part of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative program. Gliders are autonomous underwater vehicles that can gather data for weeks or months. The glider was deployed as part of Global Station Papa Array, a collection of instruments positioned in the Gulf of Alaska through the Ocean Observatories Initiative. (Photo provided by the Station Papa Science Team)Hundreds of sophisti…
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Trump administration backs off plan to end ocean monitoring
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is abandoning its plan to dismantle a $368 million ocean monitoring system critical to understanding climate change and marine ecosystems, bowing to a bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill. The post Trump administration backs off plan to end ocean monitoring appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
The Columbian
Trump administration backtracks on removing ocean sensors
The Trump administration is dropping near-term plans to dismantle a $386 million federal ocean-observing system after encountering resistance from scientists and Congress. Read more...
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