Coastal scientists and council warn federal cuts to ocean observing networks will harm regional monitoring

Acting Chair Pierce Lindquist and agency staff used the WICMAC meeting in Forks to raise alarm about recent federal reductions to ocean observing systems that provide real‑time and long‑term ocean data.

"We're paying with we're sure exactly what I left in this question to the director on how that's how you have make about those cuts," an agency representative said during the agency updates, describing a $414,400,000 fiscal year shortfall and lost capacity. Representatives and recreational fishing stakeholders said the cuts are already reducing seasonal positions and monitoring devices that underpin fisheries science and safety at sea.

Phil Anderson, representing recreational fishing interests, called it "a pretty hard blow," noting the program included more than 900 monitoring devices and provided data used to track hypoxia and marine heat waves. He said the loss of monitoring capacity threatens the ability to forecast and respond to events that influence catch and safety.

WICMAC members discussed next steps for joint advocacy. "Casey and I can follow‑up, and see what we can do in this space to see if we can explore some of those conversations with Oregon and California," an agency speaker said, urging cross‑state coordination. Public commenters and tribal partners in the room urged broadening outreach beyond three states to include stakeholder groups from Alaska to California.

Council members said they have already raised the issue with the governor's office and congressional delegation and encouraged members to document local impacts to fisheries, mariners and scientific programs so the state can aggregate requests for federal support or replacements. The council recommended further coordination with NOAA, neighboring states, and the West Coast Ocean Alliance to identify advocacy options and collect evidence of operational impacts.