Posts by Amber Coogan
OOI Community Status Update
Dear OOI Community,
We want to share an update on the operating status of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) for the current project year. The FY2026 federal appropriations process remains ongoing. Earlier this winter we worked with NSF and the array Principal Investigators to implement an adjusted operating plan, documented through an Annual Work Plan Addendum, that preserves key scientific capability within available funding.
Since its inception, the OOI has been a sustained ocean observing facility designed to provide long term, open access measurements and infrastructure for the research community. Now in its second decade, the OOI has grown into an important community resource that supports discovery, advances research, facilitates technology development, and fosters collaboration across the ocean community. Our priority is to protect the integrity of the long-term data record and ensure continued access to core observing capabilities during this period of fiscal constraint.
Under the updated operating plan, OOI will maintain core capabilities and community access to observations:
- Continued delivery and distribution of data from all active instruments, including real time data where available, along with the full historical data record maintained by the Data Center.
- Continued operation of the Regional Cabled Array to provide persistent seafloor access with a maintenance cruise scheduled for the summer of 2026.
- Continued operation of the Pioneer Mid Atlantic Bight Array with two service cruises in the late spring and fall of 2026 with refurbished infrastructure.
- Continued subsurface observations at Station Papa, with servicing and sampling schedules adjusted to extend asset lifetime while maintaining the time series. This will include continued collaboration with NOAA/PMEL and their surface buoy.
- Continued observations at the Irminger Sea Array, with a limited maintenance cruise in spring to early summer of 2026, and sampling schedules adjusted to extend asset lifetime while maintaining the time series.
- Limited Endurance Array capability, including retention and maintenance of a surface mooring on the Oregon shelf and targeted glider operations to preserve cross shelf observations. Short maintenance cruises are scheduled for last spring and fall of 2026.
- Targeted glider and AUV missions where they provide the highest scientific return.
- Continued investment in Data Services, including Data Explorer improvements, data processing tools and research ready data sets.
- Ongoing permitting, reporting, and cybersecurity compliance activities.
These priorities reflect choices to safeguard time series continuity and community data services while operating within constrained resources.
As a result of the constrained budget, some activities are reduced in cadence or scope relative to prior years. These adjustments are designed to extend asset life and preserve scientific value while minimizing long-term impacts to the observing system. We recognize this may affect studies that depend on dense sampling, rapid turnaround field operations, certain regional coverage, near real-time data, cross-shelf observations, and sustained time series. We are working closely with NSF and the implementing organizations to manage these impacts strategically and maintain flexibility should funding conditions continue to improve.
Even within these constraints, OOI remains fully operational as a national observing facility. Our focus is continuity, reliability, and service to the community.
In closing, we encourage you to partner with us in demonstrating the value and impact of OOI by including it in your proposals, publications, presentations, and conversations with colleagues. Your engagement is vital to demonstrate the scientific impact and wide-ranging applications enabled by the OOI, underscoring its importance as a resource for the oceanographic community.
For any questions related to the OOI, please reach out to the Leadership Team at ooi@whoi.edu.
Sincerely,
The OOI Team
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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A Carbon Budget for the Upper Mesopelagic Zone
(Adapted from Stephens et al., 2025)
Upper ocean carbon budgets are difficult to constrain, and those for the mesopelagic zone come with particular challenges. A recent paper by Stephens et al. (2025) took on the challenge of a comprehensive carbon system budget for the upper mesopelagic zone (100-500 m) based on data from the EXport Processes in the Ocean from RemoTe Sensing (EXPORTS) program (Siegel et al., 2016). The 2018 EXPORTS field campaign was conducted at Ocean Station Papa in the Northeast Pacific to take advantage of the relatively modest surface forcing, shallow summer mixed layer, tightly coupled food web, and low mesoscale kinetic energy. Nevertheless, the study found that a steady-state assumption for the carbon system was likely not appropriate.
Measuring organic carbon supply and demand is challenging due to a variety of factors. Supply includes sinking particles, migrating zooplankton and fish, disaggregation, mixing and subduction. Demand comes primarily from bacteria and zooplankton. Measurement methods for each supply and demand term have errors, conversions to rates have uncertainties, and each process being measured may have a unique timescale over which a rate integration makes sense. EXPORTS was notable for increasing the number and variety of measurements available for monitoring the mesopelagic carbon budget. Stephens et al. take advantage of this by combining multiple measurement methods, quantifying errors and applying statistical methods for error analysis.
The authors used observations from multiple sources. Near-surface data came from the PMEL Station Papa surface mooring. Shipboard profile data come from two ships operating during the EXPORTS field campaign as well as the OOI Station Papa cruise in 2018. Additional water column data came from two OOI Slocum gliders, one EXPORTS-operated Seaglider, and BGC Argo floats. The authors examined each carbon supply and demand estimate, calculating an uncertainty and discussing potential limitations (Stephens et al., Table 1). A Monte Carlo approach was used to assess overall uncertainty in supply and demand terms, resulting in the conclusion that supply was insufficient to meet demand (e.g. Fig. 1 below). The error analysis allowed the authors to conclude that the mismatch was not the result of problems in estimating supply or demand, but rather a problem with the assumption that supply and demand would balance within the analysis period. In other words, the system was not in steady state.
This project highlights the complexity of the carbon system in the upper ocean and the broad suite of observational tools necessary to address the carbon budget. The authors make three specific recommendations for improved quantification of the biological carbon pump: including the relevant midwater processes, capturing the range of relevant timescales, and providing redundancy in methodology.
[caption id="attachment_37368" align="alignnone" width="928"]
Assessment of the organic carbon budget in the upper mesopelagic zone during EXPORTS. Estimated individual contributions to supply (left) and demand (right) are provided along with error estimates. Terms with multiple measurement methods (far left, far right) were averaged. The center panel shows the cumulative supply and demand relative to a vertical scale in units of mmol C per (m^2 day). From Stephens et al., 2025.[/caption]
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References:
Stephens, B.M., and 20 co-authors, 2025. An upper-mesopelagic-zone carbon budget for the subarctic North Pacific, Biogeosciences, 22, 3301-3328, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3301-2025.
Siegel, D.A., K.O. Buesseler, M.J. Behrenfeld, C.R. Benitez-Nelson, E. Boss, M.A. Brzezinski, A. Burd, C.A. Carlson, E.A. D’Asaro, S.C. Doney, M.J. Perry, R.H.R. Stanley and D.K. Steinberg, 2016. Prediction of the Export and Fate of Global Ocean Net Primary Production: The EXPORTS Science Plan, Front. Mar. Sci., 3:22, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2016.00022.
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Accounting for Ocean Waves and Current Shear in Wind Stress Parameterization
Ortiz-Suslow et al. (2025) use measurements of direct covariance wind stress, directional wave spectra, and current profiles from the OOI Coastal Endurance Array (Ocean Observatories Initiative) offshore of Newport, Oregon (2017–2023) to test a proposed new general framework for the bulk air-sea momentum flux that directly accounts for vertical current shear and surface waves in quantifying the stress at the interface. Their approach partitions the stress at the interface into viscous skin and (wave) form drag components, each applied to their relevant surface advections, which are quantified using the inertial motions within the sub-surface log layer and the modulation of waves by currents predicted by linear theory, respectively.
Their framework does not alter the overall dependence of momentum flux on mean wind forcing, and they found the largest impacts at relatively low wind speeds. Below 3 m s−1, accounting for sub-surface shear reduced form drag variation by 40–50% as compared to a current-agnostic approach. As compared to a shear-free current, i.e., slab ocean, a 35% reduction in form drag variation was found. At low wind forcing, neglecting the currents led to systematically overestimating the form stress by 20 to 50% — an effect that could not be captured by using the slab ocean approach. Their framework builds on the existing understanding of wind-wave-current interaction, yielding a novel formulation that explicitly accounts for the role of current shear and surface waves in air-sea momentum flux. Ortiz-Suslow et al. find their work holds significant implications for air-sea coupled modeling in general conditions.
In using the Oregon Shelf (CE02SHSM) data, Ortiz-Suslow et al. note, “There are several distinct advantages to using these data for this analysis: (1) the range of the dataset goes back seven years with good temporal coverage, (2) there are co-located wind, wave, and current measurements at hourly intervals for in-depth analysis, and (3) the site is exposed to a wide range of wind, wave, and current conditions. Furthermore, by using this dataset, we take advantage of internal quality data control and processing steps that are standardized across the OOI array network.”
[caption id="attachment_37363" align="alignnone" width="488"] Conceptual diagram highlighting the distinction between defining the relative wind velocity over the (a) slab ocean versus the (b) wavy interface. In the presence of near-surface shear, the relative contributions of viscous skin (Us) and wave form (Uw) must be directly accounted when calculating the relative wind at the base of the sheared wind profile (Figure 30, Ortiz-Suslow et al., 2025).[/caption]
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Reference:
Ortiz-Suslow, D.G., N. Laxague, J-V. Björkqvist, M. Curcic, (2025). Accounting for Ocean Waves and Current Shear in Wind Stress Parameterization. Boundary-Layer Meteorology, 191(38), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-025-00926-9
Read MoreThe Regional Cabled Array Seen Through the Eyes of Students
One of the OOI’s greatest strengths is its ability to inspire and train the next generation of ocean scientists through immersive, hands-on research at sea and through the analysis and application of large, complex data sets. Students gain authentic, real-world experience in oceanography—working aboard global-class research vessels utilizing advanced robotic vehicles and learning how to communicate their science effectively to broad and diverse audiences. Through the UW VISIONS at-sea experiential learning program more than 200 students have developed these skills while participating in Regional Cabled Array cruises.
Student outcomes are showcased on Interactiveoceans and span an impressive breadth of scientific inquiry. Recent VISIONS’25 projects include short documentaries demystifying hydrophones and distributed acoustic sensing, genetic analyses of deep-sea organisms, and newly developed technologies to probe the metabolomics of life thriving in the extreme environments of hydrothermal vents. These experiences have translated into numerous senior theses with many students presenting their work at professional scientific conferences.
Among the highlights at Ocean Sciences 2026 conference are VISIONS’24–25 student-led presentations that integrated artificial intelligence and computer vision to quantify benthic communities and spatial ecology at Southern Hydrate Ridge. These innovative analyses revealed new connections between biological patterns and methane seep activity, offering fresh insight into the dynamics of this highly active and rapidly changing environment.
[caption id="attachment_37360" align="alignnone" width="445"] RCA Science Highlight: Student Projects and Engagement Products[/caption]
Read More OOI Participates in Trusted CI Reassessment Pilot
In 2025, OOI participated in a Trusted CI Framework Reassessment Cohort Pilot led by Trusted CI, The NSF Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, a collaborative effort focused on strengthening cybersecurity programs across research cyberinfrastructure organizations. The pilot brought together several NSF-supported facilities to share experiences and assess progress using the Trusted CI Framework.
As part of this reassessment, OOI demonstrated measurable improvement in its cybersecurity program, with higher ratings achieved across the majority of the Trusted CI Framework’s core requirements. The process provided OOI with strategic recommendations to help guide future priorities and continued program development.
Participation in the pilot reflects OOI’s ongoing commitment to building a strong, mission-aligned cybersecurity program and contributing to the broader research infrastructure security community. Trusted CI also recognized OOI’s high level of engagement and the value of its feedback in helping refine the reassessment process for future cohorts.
Learn more about Trusted CI and the reassessment pilot on the Trusted CI blog.
NSF FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has published its Draft Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2030. It describes the agency’s vision, core values, and the challenges and opportunities it seeks to address over the next five years. NSF seeks public input and will use this feedback to inform the plan’s implementation. NSF welcomes feedback from all interested parties across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics research and education communities.
Please see the associated Dear Colleague Letter (DCL): https://www.nsf.gov/od/updates/nsf-seeks-public-input-on-its-fy-2026-2030-nsf-strategic-plan.
Read the full draft NSF FY 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. Objective 1.4. Support discovery, innovation, and national security through impactful investments in research infrastructure may be of interest for the observing community.
Responses are due no later than Jan. 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Deborah S. Kelley awarded the Wallace S. Broecker Medal
Deborah S. Kelley, Professor in the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, has been awarded the Wallace S. Broecker Medal by The Oceanography Society. This honor recognizes her innovative and impactful contributions to marine geoscience and chemical oceanography, her leadership in interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and her sustained commitment to education and mentorship. Read more from The Oceanography Society.
Read MoreThe OOI Regional Cabled Array (RCA) Through the Eyes of Students
Through the University of Washington VISIONS at-sea education program, an important part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative Regional Cabled Array (RCA), students and educators have played an active role in sharing the science, technology, and experience of working at sea. Since 2011, participants in the VISIONS program have collaborated with the RCA team to create outreach and engagement projects that highlight their shipboard experiences, explore research questions using RCA data, and showcase the innovative ocean technologies that make sustained seafloor and water column observations possible.
These student-driven projects reflect a wide range of perspectives and creative approaches, offering a unique window into life and learning aboard research vessels while advancing public understanding of ocean science. The collection continues to grow as new cohorts of students and educators join the VISIONS program and complete their work.
Explore examples of student projects and learn more about the Regional Cabled Array by visiting the RCA website.
[caption id="attachment_37336" align="alignnone" width="2560"]
Credit: A. Rose, University of Washington, V’24[/caption]
Read More An underwater volcano off Oregon didn’t erupt in 2025 after all. Why not?
NEW ORLEANS — One year ago, scientists made a surprisingly concrete prediction: Before 2025 was out, they said, Axial volcano — a submerged seamount near Oregon in the Northern Pacific Ocean — would erupt.
That hasn’t happened. But it still might — in 2026. Read more from ScienceNews.
Read MoreA somber mood at science meeting as Trump budget cuts continue
After cuts to federal funding and the firing or early retirement of thousands of government scientists this year, another blow to scientific research landed this week. The Trump administration on Tuesday night announced a plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, one of the world’s premier climate and weather science institutions. Read more from the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
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