European Union officials unveiled a $107 million plan to expand ocean monitoring, positioning Europe as a leader in data collection. The investment follows the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle a U.S. deep‑ocean observation system worth $368 million. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis called the move a “necessity” given alarming Atlantic signals. The move also aims to attract industry partners for sensor technology development.

U.S. National Science Foundation will begin removing 900 seabed instruments from sites off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and the Irminger Sea, a process projected to last 15 months. The network, operating since 2016, cost about $48 million annually to run. European officials argue their funding will support UNESCO‑led programs and improve maritime security and defense. Funding will also cover data‑sharing platforms.

Scientists warn that reduced data hampers forecasts of sea‑level rise, invasive species spread and the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a current that underpins global weather. Europe’s pledge signals a shift toward private‑sector and multilateral financing of ocean science, while U.S. Democrats promise legislative challenges to the shutdown. The Atlantic data gap now widens.