The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is requesting perspectives on what ocean observation capabilities it should provide. The agency recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) seeking public input on priorities, strategies, and technologies for future ocean observing systems that effectively support scientific needs and align with NSF’s mission. This includes considerations for the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), as well as the Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array (GO-BGC Argo) program, Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory (COSZO), Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Center (OBISC), and other individual research projects that provide time-series and longer-term observations.
The deadline for submitting responses is September 30, 2026. Responses may be submitted individually or as part of a group or organization. NSF seeks responses to one, some, or all of a suite of questions addressing topics including observational gaps, fixed and mobile assets, coordination among (national and/or international) programs, operational uses and stakeholders, impact and value metrics, and which components of NSF’s current ocean observing portfolio should be maintained and/or updated to address high priority science needs. Responses to each question are limited to 3,250 characters, including spaces.
The OOIFB encourages everyone to read the DCL and consider responding individually and/or contributing to a group response. We also encourage you to share the letter openly with your colleagues and within your networks. Broad community participation will help ensure that NSF hears from a wide range of stakeholders regarding the critical importance of ocean observing systems and funding for current and future programs.
To provide an opportunity to discuss the DCL, review its questions, and refine input, the OOIFB will organize a suite of virtual “ocean observing exchanges”. Each exchange will be organized around a different theme to allow for focused discussions. Additional details on these online conversations, including topics, dates/times, and a link to sign up, will be posted to the OOIFB Website and shared soon. Please note, these events are distinct from, and in addition to the “listening sessions” some institutions may be offering.
Before the DCL deadline, these virtual exchanges may help solidify ideas/priorities to be submitted as individual or group responses. The OOIFB also recognizes the importance of maintaining these forward-thinking conversations and thus will continue these virtual dialogues after the DCL has closed. A culminating Community Forum is also planned for the weekend before the 2026 AGU conference in San Francisco, CA. The goal of this event will be to synthesize the virtual conversations and catalyze high-level discussions about ocean observing, sustained observations, collaboration, and the future of the field of ocean observing. A 2-4 page synthesis, with actionable items, will be produced as an output of this Community Forum. Please hold December 4-5, 2026 on your calendars to participate in this event (note: the event will be held at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco). Limited travel support will be available for individuals that can attend in person, and virtual participation will also be available. More details will be available soon.