EventSenator Lisa Murkowski and nine other lawmakers urged the NSF to reverse a Trump‑era plan to remove over 900 ocean sensors off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and Greenland. The $386 million OOI network tracks currents, temperature and marine life, essential for weather forecasting and Alaska’s fishing industry during a strong El Niño.
The National Science Foundation’s plan to pull most Ocean Observatories Initiative sensors from Alaska and other states has prompted senators, including Lisa Murkowski, to appeal for reversal, citing risks to weather forecasting, fishing, and public safety amid a strong El Nino.
Senators Jeff Merkley and Lisa Murkowski, joined by 15 others, urged the National Science Foundation to halt the planned removal of more than 900 ocean sensors from waters off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and Greenland. The cut, part of a 55% budget reduction under the Trump administration, threatens coastal safety and the monitoring of climate‑driven events such as El Niño.
