ARLINGTON, Virginia — Scientists are raising concerns after the Trump administration announced the termination of a major ocean-monitoring program that has tracked changes in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for decades.
Beginning this month, more than 900 sensors located off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, North Carolina, and Greenland will be removed from service. The network, funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF), was designed to collect real-time data on ocean temperatures, salinity, currents, marine ecosystems, and other environmental conditions.
Researchers describe the system as one of the world’s most comprehensive ocean observation networks. The sensors have been used to study everything from fish populations and storm formation to long-term changes associated with climate change.
The National Science Foundation said the decision aligns with a broader effort to adopt a more flexible approach to scientific priorities and infrastructure management. However, many scientists argue the move comes at a critical time as researchers monitor several significant ocean-related developments.
Among them is a powerful El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean that could influence weather patterns worldwide. Scientists are also closely tracking the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a system of ocean currents that helps regulate global climate. Some researchers have warned that significant disruptions to AMOC could affect weather, agriculture, and sea levels across multiple continents.
Critics of the decision argue that reducing data collection limits the ability of scientists to understand and predict environmental changes. Supporters of the administration’s approach contend that research priorities and funding should be reassessed periodically to reflect evolving scientific needs and emerging technologies.
The sensor network is expected to be fully decommissioned over the coming months.
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