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Trump administration reverses decision to scrap ocean monitoring system
Move to dismantle $368m sea observatory initiative faced opposition from experts and lawmakers
TL;DR
- The Trump administration will halt plans to dismantle the $368m Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI).
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) will continue operations and planned maintenance for the OOI.
- The decision was reversed due to outcry from lawmakers and ocean experts who rely on the OOI's data for research.
- The OOI comprises over 900 instruments collecting data on ocean health, climate variability, and marine biodiversity.
- A bipartisan bill was passed by the Senate to halt the dismantling until a thorough review with stakeholder engagement is conducted.
- The NSF will issue a 'Dear Colleague Letter' to collect input and convene an expert panel to assess observational needs and identify a sustainable path forward.