The Ocean Foundation

06/11/2026

The National Science Foundation is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $360 million deep-ocean monitoring network that has been continuously collecting data on our oceans since 2016.

TOF President Mark J Spalding told USA TODAY that the removal will increase risks to "coastal communities, local economies and national security" — meaning less data for flood risk, less information for commercial fisheries, and fewer measurements of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a key driver of Atlantic weather patterns.

As Mark has written, even the most sophisticated satellites only see the "skin of the ocean." They can't measure salinity, acidity, or oxygen levels through the water column. That's what this system was built to do — and that capability, once removed, is very difficult to rebuild.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine called preservation of this infrastructure "critical to advancing U.S. ocean science at a time when other countries, including our competitors, are increasing their investments."

Critics say the move to retire the $360 million system doesn't make sense. The National Science Foundation cites new scientific priorities.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

On July 19, people around the world will take to the water to defend the deep.

Here's why that matters.

The Member States of International Seabed Authority will soon be meeting in Kingston, Jamaica to determine whether deep-sea mining will be permitted in international waters. At the same time, mining companies are attempting to bypass that international process entirely through US domestic legislation.

The science is clear. Deep-sea mining would cause irreversible damage to ocean ecosystems, undermine carbon sequestration, and drive species to extinction before we've even documented them. Scientists, financial institutions, governments, and Indigenous communities around the world have called for a moratorium. The industry has no social license, no proven need, and no justification that outweighs what would be lost.

This is a defining moment for ocean governance and for multilateralism itself.

On July 19, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition is calling on ocean lovers everywhere to take to the water — to paddle out, swim, surf, sail, or gather at their nearest shoreline in a global show of solidarity for the deep sea.

If you work in ocean science, conservation, policy, business, or finance, this is your moment to show up too. Share this post, join an action near you, or help us reach decision-makers before it's too late.

Surfrider Foundation Sustainable Ocean Alliance Greenpeace International The Oxygen Project

06/09/2026

The long read: The bottom of the ocean has barely been explored, but every journey to the deep reveals wondrous new lifeforms. As underwater mining gains momentum, do we risk destroying one of the Earth’s last great wildernesses?

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean Day. 🌊

Today we want to say thank you.

To every researcher and scientist monitoring our changing ocean. To every coastal community defending the fisheries their ancestors fished. To the mangroves growing back. To the coral polyps holding on. To the sea turtles returning to the beaches they were born on.

The ocean is extraordinary. So are the people and creatures who call it home.

Our World Ocean Day newsletter is out now at https://mailchi.mp/oceanfdn/world-ocean-day-2026-see-the-ripple — full of stories from the communities and ecosystems we are honored to work alongside.

06/08/2026

W🐳O🐋R🐬L🦭D 🐟O🐠C🐡E🦈A🐙N🐚 🪸D🪼A🦈Y!

All eyes on our blue planet this .

The ocean connects every coastline, every community, and every one of us. When people come together with a shared purpose, we can protect the waters that sustain life, strengthen communities, and inspire action across the globe.

“Many small people, in many small places, doing many small things, can change the face of the world.” — African proverb
“Many drops make a mighty ocean.” — Japanese proverb
“One broomstick breaks easily, but the bundle is strong.” — Kenyan proverb

This , let’s stand together for a thriving ocean and a healthier future for our planet.

Join the movement at WorldOceanDay.org

P.S. A gentle reminder to drop the “s” — we share one interconnected ocean that unites us all. Thinking of it as one global ocean helps inspire the cooperation and collective action needed to protect it for future generations.

06/05/2026

🌍 Happy World Environment Day!

The ocean is one of the planet's most powerful climate signals. Protecting it, restoring it, and capturing how it's changing has never been more important.

Through our Blue Resilience Initiative, we're restoring mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs — coastal ecosystems that store carbon, protect shorelines, and support the communities who depend on them.

Through our EquiSea Initiative, we're ensuring that all countries and communities can monitor and respond to changing ocean conditions — not just those with the most resources. Because the communities most vulnerable to a changing ocean deserve to have their stories told and their knowledge shared.

Watch some snippets of our 2026 field footage and see their work in action. 🌊

06/05/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

💼 Position: Senior Accountant
🌎 Location: Hybrid in Washington, DC Office
📅 Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
🇺🇸 Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Some responsibilities include: process accounts payable, record deposits, reconcile bank and balance sheet accounts and send monthly programmatic financial reports.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
CMA or CMA-track strongly preferred.

Apply today: https://tof.bamboohr.com/careers/54

06/04/2026

This week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Alejandra Navarrete of The Ocean Foundation's Blue Resilience Initiative joined participants at the Civil Society Forum ahead of the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly.

The Forum highlighted a simple but important message: civil society, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, and youth are essential partners in delivering environmental solutions.

Participants discussed how future environmental investments can better support locally led action, strengthen accountability and transparency, and ensure benefits reach the people protecting ecosystems every day.

Photo credit: IISD/ENB | Danny Skilton
Fundación Mexicana para el Océano A.C.

🌊