NSF has issued a Dear Colleague Letter seeking input on priorities, strategies, and technologies for future NSF ocean observing systems that support scientific and societal needs. Comment deadline is September 30.
Dear Colleagues,
On June 18, 2026, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced its intent to continue operations and maintenance of the NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) and to issue this Dear Colleague Letter soliciting perspectives on what ocean observation capabilities NSF should provide. NSF requests the public’s vision for an effective NSF ocean observation system that is scientifically relevant, technologically up-to-date, operationally viable and aligned with NSF’s mission and priorities. In particular, NSF seeks responses to one, some, or all of the following questions:
- How should NSF’s investments complement and/or differ from other national and international efforts; for example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ocean observation systems?
- What gaps exist in observations to address high impact science questions and what oceanic regions could benefit from NSF ocean observations system(s)?
- What types of observations would best advance the national interest?
- What types of observations (e.g., pre-selected sites vs. moveable assets) are needed and what technologies are ready for implementation to ensure advancement of the state of the science?
- Which elements in NSF’s existing observational portfolio should be maintained or updated to fulfil the identified needs?
- What other operational uses and stakeholders should be considered and how can their needs be best served?
- What are robust metrics to assess the scientific and societal impact and value of observations over time?
- How should NSF seek to balance the development of new ocean observing technologies with the collection of more data using established technologies?
- What additional factors should NSF consider?
In addition to OOI, NSF investments in ocean observations include mid-scale infrastructure (i.e., GO-BGC Argo program, Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory), and individual research projects that provide time series and longer-term observations. The U.S. Academic Research Fleet, sub-seafloor drilling capabilities, remote sensing measurements, and any science questions best answered through term-limited research grants are not part of this request.
These NSF-supported ocean observing activities were developed over the last 25 or more years in response to specific science questions. NSF now seeks to revisit its ocean observation investments to ensure continued alignment with high priority science needs, using the best available technologies and approaches, and covering regions where oceans play a critical role in Earth system processes. We invite feedback that will help NSF ensure efficient and continued evolution of ocean observations. Input should consider:
- Alignment with NSF’s mission and with current science needs.
- Integration of existing efforts to better and more efficiently serve science.
- Development of new strategic partnerships.
Several U.S. federal and state agencies and other entities maintain robust ocean observation networks. Submissions should take these efforts into account and clearly identify the challenges and opportunities that NSF-led ocean observation system(s) could address.
NSF encourages responses both from individuals and aggregated responses from groups such as professional societies or other organizations.
Please use this form to submit your response to the above questions by September 30, 2026. Responses will be limited to 3,250 characters (including spaces; the equivalent of a single page of text in 12-point font) for each question. Materials received will help inform NSF’s future actions regarding ocean observations and help ensure that data services and tools align with stakeholder needs. All information provided to NSF may be made public without further notice. Please do not include any confidential business or sensitive personal privacy information. NSF will not respond to individual inquiries about this DCL.
Thank you for your engagement and contributions to the advancement of ocean science.
Sincerely,
Simon Malcomber
Chief Science Officer
