Share your thoughts on future NSF ocean observing priorities

The U.S. National Science Foundation published a Dear Colleague Letter (NSF 26-024) on Aug. 27, 2026, to request input for a future NSF ocean observation system that is scientifically relevant, technologically up-to-date, operationally viable, and aligned with NSF's mission and priorities. The deadline to submit a response is Sept. 30, 2026.

NSF encourages both individual responses and aggregated responses from groups such as professional societies or other organizations. Responses are limited to 3,250 characters (including spaces; the equivalent of a single page of text in 12-point font) for each question.

Materials received will help inform NSF's plans regarding ocean observations and help ensure that data services and tools align with stakeholder needs.

For more information, please read the Dear Colleague Letter.