NSF reverses plan to dismantle key U.S. ocean observing system amid backlash
Facing bipartisan backlash, the National Science Foundation halted plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, keeping the data network online, continuing maintenance, and organizing stakeholder input and an expert panel to chart a sustainable path. A bipartisan Senate bill also blocks decommissioning until a thorough review is completed, and the Endurance Array will be redeployed after servicing, underscoring the network’s importance for climate research and weather forecasting.