The Trump administration has reversed its decision to dismantle a $368 million deep-sea observation system following widespread opposition from lawmakers and ocean experts. On Thursday, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced it would halt plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), stating that it would not proceed with further removal or scaling back of equipment from the remaining arrays and would continue operations, including planned maintenance.
The agency acknowledged that it appreciates the concerns raised by stakeholders who rely on OOI data. The NSF also plans to issue a Dear Colleague Letter to gather input from stakeholders and convene an expert panel to assess observational needs, evaluate available data sources, and help identify a sustainable path for ocean observing systems.
The OOI comprises over 900 instruments that monitor ocean health, including current patterns, climate variability, and marine biodiversity. Its observation arrays are located off the coasts of North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, as well as in the Irminger Sea between Greenland and Iceland.
The reversal follows backlash from scientists who depend on OOI data for research, including estimates of ocean heating rates amid the climate crisis. Experts warned that losing the system could undermine forecasts and early-warning systems for storms and other severe weather events.
The decision also came a day after the Senate passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley and Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski to halt what they called the "reckless dismantling" of the OOI. The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to decommission the OOI until the NSF conducts a thorough review with robust stakeholder engagement.
Merkley stated, "Dismantling the OOI is supreme stupidity, costing taxpayers millions and destroying a vital source of climate data. Our simple, bipartisan bill blocks this shortsighted decision and preserves these critical ocean monitoring sensors that keep coastal communities and fishers safe." Murkowski added, "I'm grateful to my colleagues for approving this legislation unanimously, ensuring stakeholders and experts are consulted to keep researchers, fishermen, and communities equipped with essential information."
The NSF noted that although some instruments from the Endurance Array off the coasts of Oregon and Washington had already been removed, plans are being developed to redeploy the equipment after servicing.
Since returning to office in January, the Trump administration has rolled back numerous science and climate initiatives while pushing to expand deep-sea mining and loosen fishing regulations, drawing criticism from scientists and climate activists.
