Alaskans will be flying blind after NSF decommissions ocean monitoring network

The imminent shutdown of a crucial deep-ocean monitoring network is causing significant concern among residents of Alaska, the leading state in fish production in the U.S. This network, which has been instrumental in tracking vital ocean metrics such as temperature, salinity, and wave action, is being decommissioned by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Initially announced in May, the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a project worth nearly $368 million, provides real-time data that is essential for scientists, fishery managers, and coastal planners. This information is crucial for making informed decisions regarding fish harvesting, anticipating marine heatwaves, and preparing for potential coastal hazards. Jan Newton, an affiliate professor of biological oceanography at the University of Washington, emphasized the significance of this data, stating, "It helps us see where we’re going and what’s coming at us." The decision to dismantle the observatories has raised alarms within Alaska's fishing community, which supports a robust $5.3 billion commercial seafood industry employing approximately 42,000 individuals, according to a recent report by McKinley Research Group for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Michelle Stratton, executive director of the Alaska Marine Community Coalition, expressed her alarm over the loss of Ocean Station Papa, a deep-ocean system located in the Gulf of Alaska at depths nearing 14,000 feet. She noted that this system is one of the few that provides real-time insights into ocean changes. Stratton highlighted the critical timing, as Alaska is currently facing challenges such as salmon population declines and repeated marine heatwaves. She stated, "This decision takes away the data we rely on to understand what’s happening and how to manage these fisheries." In response to concerns, NSF spokesperson Cassandra Eichner explained that the decision to withdraw the observatories is part of a broader strategy to adapt to evolving scientific needs and emerging technologies, along with effective lifecycle management of research infrastructure.