Trump administration backs off plan to end ocean monitoring

The Trump administration has halted its plan to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill. The $368 million network of underwater instruments, deployed off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and the Irminger Sea, prompted concern about climate data and coastal safety. The NSF paused removal and will convene an expert panel to determine the future of the program. Senate approval blocked dismantling with unanimous consent, and the agency had begun pulling moorings and sensors, with six of seven moorings off Oregon and Washington already removed. Officials say redeployment could require months as ships and schedules are arranged. The decision maintains critical data streams used for climate research, weather forecasting, fisheries, and coastal hazard monitoring, while debates continue on funding and strategic priorities.