Alaska's Ocean Monitoring Network Decommissioned

The National Science Foundation's decision to decommission Alaska's ocean monitoring network poses significant risks to the state's vital fishing industry, valued in the billions of dollars. Coastal communities, already vulnerable to environmental changes, will also face increased exposure to hazards without this crucial data. The network provided essential information for understanding oceanographic conditions, which directly impacts fisheries management and disaster preparedness. Its removal leaves a critical gap in environmental surveillance, potentially leading to economic losses and heightened safety concerns for Alaskans.