FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT

Paula Bontempi

Why do we observe the ocean?

Hello all. I hope everyone is well. My brain is churning on opportunities for TOS members, and I’m considering the impact and future of ocean observations. Why do we observe the ocean, the Earth system, and what does this tell us about our planet and its ocean? How do ocean observations support our national needs? How has this changed over the last century? What ocean observations are needed for the next century of ocean opportunities and challenges?

There is a current Dear Colleague Letter out through the U.S. National Science Foundation that seeks input on ocean observing priorities. The due date for responses is 30 September. How might we, as a community, respond to this challenge regardless of who is asking? We will all, undoubtedly, encounter the question of what’s next in our fields. Are we ready to respond?

In my NASA days, science planning nearly always started with a team identifying a scientific question(s)—a challenge—an opportunity. From there, the observations needed to address that question would be identified, then the observational requirements, approaches, technologies (sensors, missions, etc.), and any ancillary data or partnerships needed.

As we debate the future of ocean observations, we must bear in mind merit and impact, but also relevance to respective agency missions and federal initiatives or needs. So, when we debate what in the ocean should be next observed along with where, how, and for whom, we should consider national goals in this process. There  must be balance in any response between state-of-the-art ocean observing and respective national goals in science and technology.

We, as a community, have made some brilliant scientific and predictive advances using this approach in ocean observing—think maritime safety and navigation, weather prediction, and coastal zone management. We have invented groundbreaking and robust technologies, AUVs, miniaturized sensors such as eDNA. These advances have benefitted the public economically, saving lives and property—thanks often to institutional partnerships with the federal government. And we are not done.

Many of you have opinions regarding ocean observing, from space to sub-seafloor. I’d love to hear from you about your ideas for the future. What are the future priorities for ocean observing?

As I head to the Ocean Optics Conference XXVII in Ghent, Belgium, this week, I look forward to talking with the attendees, particularly the students, about this question.

Thoughts? [email protected]

Best wishes and thanks to all for being TOS members!

Paula

DID YOU MISS THE SUMMER ISSUE OF OCEANOGRAPHY?

Read articles on quantifying the role of climate change in driving mass coral bleaching, using ecological benthic units to characterize the seafloor, ocean model-driven robotic exploration, the quest to map the global ocean, and more. View the full issue open access flipbook or individual articles.

EARLY RELEASES

WORKSHOP REPORT. Navigating the Data Deluge: A Collaborative Vision for a Unified Subsea Data Ecosystem
By V. Ferrini et al.

THE OCEANOGRAPHY CLASSROOM • Creating Grassroots Communities of Practice to Discuss Teaching
By M.S. Glessmer et al.

CAREER PROFILES • OPTIONS AND INSIGHTS. Kristina Dahl, Vice President for Science, Climate Central

CAREER PROFILES • OPTIONS AND INSIGHTS. Lauren Linsmayer

Launched in September 2026, this webinar series hosted by The Oceanography Society will present important information, tips, and tricks—what we wish someone had told us when we were starting out on our professional journeys.

HELD TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | 12–1 ET
TIPS FOR NETWORKING AND MAXIMIZING THE CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

The first webinar of this series was an interactive session for Early Career participants attending the Ocean Optics XXVII Conference providing tips on networking and navigating the meeting to ensure a successful and valuable experience.

Share your thoughts on future NSF ocean observing priorities

The U.S. National Science Foundation published a Dear Colleague Letter on August 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. Materials received will help inform NSF’s plans regarding ocean observations and help ensure that data services and tools align with stakeholder needs.

NSF encourages both individual responses and aggregated responses from groups such as professional societies or other organizations. The deadline to submit a response is September 30, 2026.

Participate in a SWMS Research Survey

The Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) invites marine science professionals and students across all career stages and sectors to participate in a survey exploring how gender influences workplace experiences in marine science. Sharing your experiences will help inform efforts to strengthen equity, mentorship, professional development, and support within the field, as well as contribute to SWMS future initiatives, including a publication in Frontiers in Marine Science on Women in Marine Science: 2026.

We are interested in capturing both positive and challenging experiences related to gender in marine science. Therefore no matter your perspective, your insights are extremely valuable. The survey is completely anonymous, all questions are optional, and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Please make your voice heard before the survey closes on September 14, 2026. For questions, please reach out to Breanna Vanderplow or Kayle Krieg.

STUDENT CRUISE OPPORTUNITY

Apply to Sail with US GO-SHIP

US GO-SHIP is accepting applications for students to participate in an upcoming re-occupation of a central Pacific meridional hydrographic transect aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson. The cruise is divided into two legs, both taking place in 2027. There are 12 positions available to students. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on September 21, 2026.

APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS
September 21, 2026