The National Science Foundation is asking the US research community to weigh in on what should be prioritized in NSF-funded ocean observing.

Respond to the NSF Request

As you might know, NSF has funded the deployment of the bulk (over 80%) of the globally operating multi sensor BGC-Argo floats. This contribution has largely been through the GO-BGC project, which ends in October, 2026. The global array thus will start shrinking.

To date, NSF has not been able to continue this support. In addition, the hard-won US capability to build, deploy, and operate these floats and their data streams will likely be lost.  We do not believe that NOAA will be able to take over support of BGC-Argo in the next 5 or so years.

It would be helpful for a broad section of our research community to respond to the NSF request, and if appropriate, highlight the value and importance of the BGC-Argo data stream and the GO-BGC contribution to key research questions.  BGC-Argo is our only tool that provides sustained observations at the global scale from the surface to depths of 2 km with seasonal resolution for ocean chemistry and biology. BGC-Argo data are quality controlled and made available in real time. The data have been used in nearly 1000 peer-reviewed publications. They support and make stronger other ocean observing systems supported by NSF and other agencies that range from repeat hydrography to satellite remote sensing.

Background resources and a list of the questions NSF is asking follows. A focus on how the GO-BGC supports these questions within the array of ocean facilities supported by NSF will be an important contribution to NSF’s evaluation of the role of GO-BGC as a key element of ocean infrastructure. The deadline is close – September 30, 2026.

Thanks for your consideration,

Ken Johnson for the GO-BGC Executive Team
https://go-bgc.org

GO-BGC background information

US BGC-Argo status and future: Prepared for the Ocean Studies Board Project “Future Pathways for the BGC-Argo Program” (PDF)

 

NSF questions on ocean observing infrastructure:

  1. How should NSF’s investments complement and/or differ from other national and international efforts; for example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ocean observation systems?
  2. What gaps exist in observations to address high impact science questions and what oceanic regions could benefit from NSF ocean observations system(s)?
  3. What types of observations would best advance the national interest?
  4. What types of observations (e.g., pre-selected sites vs. moveable assets) are needed and what technologies are ready for implementation to ensure advancement of the state of the science?
  5. Which elements in NSF’s existing observational portfolio should be maintained or updated to fulfil the identified needs?
  6. What other operational uses and stakeholders should be considered and how can their needs be best served?
  7. What are robust metrics to assess the scientific and societal impact and value of observations over time?
  8. How should NSF seek to balance the development of new ocean observing technologies with the collection of more data using established technologies?
  9. What additional factors should NSF consider?