NSF / OCE update on the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI)

Dear Colleagues:

As part of its continuing commitment to ensuring the most efficient use of its resources, and consistent with recommendations in the National Academy of Sciences’ 2015 report “Sea Change: Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences 2015-2025”, the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) is working with the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (COL) to focus the OOI’s efforts towards oceanic environments in the northern hemisphere.

Accordingly, NSF has instructed COL to develop and implement a plan for removal without replacement of the OOI global array moorings at 55 South latitude (Pacific) and the Argentine Basin (South Atlantic) during the scheduled Fall 2017 cruises.

OCE is progressing on its schedule regarding the recent solicitation for the “Management and Operation of the OOI” (NSF 17-524), and looks forward to continuing working with the community, the recently initiated Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board (OOIFB), and others as we together move into a new era of ocean observing.

Sincerely,

Rick Murray
Director, Division of Ocean Sciences