commissioned a National Research Council study to assist inplanning the nation’s ocean research infrastructure needs inthe year 2030.

New Infrastructure ReportReleased in April 2011, the report, Infrastructure Strategy

was designed to identifymajor research questions anticipated to be at the forefront ofocean science in 2030, to define the categories of infrastruc-ture that should be included in next-generation planning, toprovide advice on criteria that could set priorities for assetdevelopment or replacement and to recommend ways thatfederal agencies could maximize the value of ocean infra-structure investments. This article highlights selected the find-ings of from the full report, posted online at http://bit.ly/

The committee adopted a focused definition of infrastruc-ture as the resources accessible to the U.S. ocean researchcommunity, including the full portfolio of platforms, sensors,data sets and systems, models, supporting personnel, facilitiesand enabling organizations that the nation can answer ocean-related questions.

As defined here, ocean research infrastructure representsthe national portfolio of resources and assets, including tech-nology, facilities, data, people and institutions. However,many components of the national infrastructure are insuffi-cient to meet the growing societal demand for scientific infor-mation that enables safe, efficient and environmentally sus-tainable use of the ocean. A comprehensive range of newocean research infrastructure is required to overcome thesechallenges, as increasingly interdisciplinary research is thepriority.

Recommendations and Major ThemesRecommendations. The report recommends that federal

ocean agencies should establish and maintain a coordinatednational strategic plan for critical shared ocean infrastructureinvestment, maintenance and retirement. Such a plan shouldfocus on trends in scientific needs and advances in technolo-gy while taking into consideration life cycle costs, efficientuse, surge capacity for unforeseen events and new opportu-nities or national needs. The plan should be based uponknown priorities and updated through periodic reviews.

AUGUST 2011 / st 17www.sea-technology.com

By Eric J. BarronChairRana A. FineVice ChairandOscar SchofieldCommittee MemberInfrastructure Strategy for U.S. Ocean Research in 2030The National Research Council

The U.S. marine exclusive economic zone is critical to thenational economy, serving maritime transportation,

national security, energy and mineral extraction, fisheries,aquaculture, tourism and recreational industries. It is also thesource of large disasters, both natural and man-made, thatinclude tsunamis, hurricanes, offshore industrial accidentsand human health issues such as outbreaks of waterborne dis-ease.

The Deep water Horizon oil spill and Japan’s earthquakeand tsunami were sobering lessons that the ocean’s threats areoften underestimated. Further, the ability to predict, respondto, manage and mitigate these events is astonishingly poor.These deficiencies reflect a lack of understanding of funda-mental ocean processes, a limited capacity to maintain a sus-tained spatial presence at sea, and the long lead time andhigh capital costs of developing and deploying infrastructurein the ocean.

To this end, the United States has spent the past decadedeveloping a national plan to promote the enhancement andsustained deployment of cutting-edge infrastructure in theoceans.

The first document in that effort was the 2004 U.S.Commission on Ocean Policy report, An Ocean Blueprint forthe 21st Century. The report called for “a renewed commit-ment to ocean science and technology” to realize the bene-fits of the ocean while ensuring its sustainability for futuregenerations.

Since the release of that report, federal agencies have beenworking together through the National Science andTechnology Council’s Subcommittee on Ocean Science andTechnology (SOST), which is mandated to identify researchpriorities, facilitate coordination of ocean research, anddevelop ocean technology and infrastructure. This committee

Critical Ocean Infrastructure Needs For the US in the Year 2030

The National Research Council Assesses Ocean Infrastructure NeedsFor the Next Two Decades of Marine Research and Societal Use

Released in April 2011, the report, Infrastructure Strategyfor U.S. Ocean Research in 2030 was designed to identifymajor research questions anticipated to be at the forefront ofocean science in 2030, to define the categories of infrastruc-ture that should be included in next-generation planning, toprovide advice on criteria that could set priorities for assetdevelopment or replacement and to recommend ways thatfederal agencies could maximize the value of ocean infra-structure investments. This article highlights selected the find-ings of from the full report, posted online at http://bit.ly/rivACX.

The committee adopted a focused definition of infrastruc-ture as the resources accessible to the U.S. ocean research

Committee MemberInfrastructure Strategy for U.S. Ocean Research in 2030The National Research Council

he U.S. marine exclusive economic zone is critical to thenational economy, serving maritime transportation,

national security, energy and mineral extraction, fisheries,aquaculture, tourism and recreational industries. It is also thesource of large disasters, both natural and man-made, thatinclude tsunamis, hurricanes, offshore industrial accidentsand human health issues such as outbreaks of waterborne dis-

The scientific issues confronting the oceanographic com-munity in the next 20 years are daunting and will require sig-nificant investment to fully address. The committee suggestedthat the nation prioritize investments based on the usefulnessof the infrastructure for addressing science questions, theaffordability, efficiency and longevity of infrastructure, andthe ability of the infrastructure to contribute to other nationaleconomic, management, mitigation and security needs.

These criteria would allow flexibility to address a widerange of issues, including whether specific infrastructure canhelp address multiple scientific questions or needs; data qual-ity and continuity; future technology trends; balance betweenrisk and benefit; and national strate-gic or economic importance. Froman economic viewpoint, this type ofprioritization acknowledges uncer-tainties regarding the ability of futureocean science research to produceinformation relevant to criticalocean-related societal issues. Thisstrategy could allow a coordinated,adaptable, long-term approach forthe use of shared, federally fundedinfrastructure assets, with possibili-ties to include locally and state-funded infrastructure, and periodicreviews of ocean infrastructure tofully optimize and capitalize oninvestments made by individualagencies.

Major Themes. ic focus of this report, the committeeidentified four major themes that areof compelling interest to society andwill drive scientific research for thenext two decades. These themes areenabling stewardship of the environ-ment, protecting life and property,promoting economic vitality andincreasing fundamental scientificunderstanding.

The report highlighted a numberof questions that fell under thesethemes and then determined thewide range of required ocean infra-structure needed to answer thosequestions. While by no means anexhaustive list, the questions show-case the importance of ocean-relat-ed research and the continueddemand for investment in oceanresearch infrastructure. Many ofthese questions are currently rele-vant, but they are not simple issuesand will likely take decades to solve,especially if resources are limited.These questions require a globalobservational framework that allowsfor the sustained ability to monitorchange in the ocean, makes accu-rate predictions of the coupledocean-atmosphere system, enables

process studies that improve understanding, provides data inenvironmentally sensitive regions or areas of national securi-ty and has sufficient flexibility to be deployed during eventsor emergencies.

Present and Future Technological TrendsThe wide array of infrastructure assets currently in use and

needed for 2030 include mobile and fixed platforms, in-situsensors and sampling, remote sensing and modeling, anddata management and communications. In addition,enabling organizations will be necessary to foster technologyinnovation and to help train the future ocean science work-

force. More Use of Autonomous and

Unmanned Platforms. An examina-tion of trends revealed that, in thepast two decades, the use of floats,gliders, ROVs, AUVs and scientificseafloor cables has increased; theuse of ships, drifters, moorings andtowed platforms has remained sta-ble; and the use of human-occupiedvehicles has declined. Based onthese trends and on the major sci-ence questions for 2030, it is antici-pated that utilization and capabilitiesfor floats, gliders, ROVs, AUVs, sub-marine scientific cables and moor-ings will continue to increase signifi-cantly for the next 20 years. Shipswill continue to be an essential com-ponent of ocean research infrastruc-ture; however, the increasing use ofautonomous and unmanned assetswill broaden the demands for a widerange of ship capabilities.

Improving Sensor Capabilities.Many sensor capabilities haveincreased, including longevity, sta-bility, data communications, adapt-ability and access to harsh environ-ments. These improvements aremostly dependent on innovationsoccurring outside the ocean sciencefield, and the oceanographic com-munity will continue to benefit frominnovations in sensor and other tech-nologies across many fields. Devel -oping the mechanisms to maximizethis technology transfer should be amajor focus for the community.

Increased Remote Data Users.Ultimately, the success of oceaninfrastructure will be measured byhow well it enables advancement ofthe ocean sciences. However, theprocess by which science is accom-plished is being transformed byaccess to a data-rich environment. In1990, the user community of mostocean infrastructure largely consist-ed of seagoing scientists who

18 st / AUGUST 2011 www.sea-technology.com

Major Recommendations

The following were viewed as a means to ensure

that the U.S has the capacity in 2030 to under-

take and benefit from knowledge and innova-

tions possible with oceanographic research. The

nation should:

• Implement a long-term research fleet planto retain access to the sea.

• Recover U.S. capability to access fully andpartially ice-covered seas.

infrastructure development. Of particularnote is the need to develop in-situ sensors,especially biogeochemical sensors.

• Engage allied disciplines and diverse fieldsto leverage technological developmentsoutside oceanography.

• Increase the number and capabilities ofbroadly accessible computing and model-ing facilities with exascale or petascalecapability that are dedicated to futureoceanographic needs.

• Establish broadly accessible virtual (distrib-uted) data centers that have seamless inte-gration of federal, state and locally helddatabases, accompanying metadata-com-pliant with proven standards, and intuitivearchiving and synthesizing tools.

• Examine and adopt proven data manage-ment practices from allied disciplines.

• Facilitate broad community access to infra-structure assets, including mobile andfixed platforms, and costly analyticalequipment.

• Expand interdisciplinary education andpromote a technically skilled workforce.

ties to include locally and state-funded infrastructure, and periodicreviews of ocean infrastructure tofully optimize and capitalize oninvestments made by individual

Major Themes. Given the scientif-ic focus of this report, the committeeidentified four major themes that areof compelling interest to society andwill drive scientific research for thenext two decades. These themes areenabling stewardship of the environ-

ence questions for 2030, it is antici-pated that utilization and capabilitiesfor floats, gliders, ROVs, AUVs, sub-marine scientific cables and moor-ings will continue to increase signifi-cantly for the next 20 years. Shipswill continue to be an essential com-ponent of ocean research infrastruc-ture; however, the increasing use ofautonomous and unmanned assetswill broaden the demands for a widerange of ship capabilities.

Improving Sensor Capabilities.

partially ice-covered seas. • Expand abilities for autonomous monitor-

ing at a wide range of spatial and temporalscales.

• Enable sustained, continuous time-seriesmeasurements.

• Maintain continuity of satellite remotesensing and communication capabilitiesfor oceanographic data and sustain plansfor new satellite platforms, sensors andcommunication systems.

• Support continued innovation in oceaninfrastructure development. Of particular

required access to ships and submersibles.In 2030, the user community will likely bequite different, with a greater percentage ofscientists who only interact with the oceanremotely, through data supplied via theInternet.

Increasing Partnerships and Collabor -ation. While the trajectory of science can-not be predicted, it seems likely that signifi-cant transformations are in store and indeedwill likely be enabled by a more effectiveocean infrastructure. This argues above allfor an ocean infrastructure that is highlyresponsive to the needs of a changing oceanscience enterprise. Substantial and mean-ingful collaboration between nations;across agencies; among federal, state andlocal governments; among academic, gov-ernment, nongovernmental and industrysectors; and between disciplines will notonly maximize the value of infrastructureinvestments but will in fact be required tomeet the growing science and societalneeds of 2030 and beyond. These partner-ships will work at a maximum level whenthe goals, responsibilities, resources anddata sharing, and limits are agreed upon atthe onset. For the ocean research enterprise,these types of collaborations are inherentlyinterdisciplinary and multidisciplinary.However, the overall success rates andeffectiveness of all collaborations need to be

Helping to Develop New CapabilitiesThe technological foundations underpin-

ning ocean infrastructure continue to evolverapidly, enabling both incremental changesand revolutionary new capabilities. Devel -opment of future ocean research infrastruc-ture will encourage exploration of newpathways to make successful technologiesbroadly available to the research, commer-cial and operational communities.

New capabilities are also often accompa-nied by the creation of business opportuni-ties that support economic growth. Bestpractices for encouraging the next genera-tion of ocean infrastructure include allocat-ing adequate resources for developing newinnovations, which ensures continualimprovement of research infrastructure, andsustaining efforts in the long term (a decadeor more), which allows research teams topursue promising technologies for the fulldevelopment-to-application cycle. Anothergood practice is supporting refinement andvalidation of prototype technologies, build-ing user awareness, and promoting earlyopportunities for commercial exploitation.

While it is impossible to predict whichtechnologies and capabilities will attract

20 st / AUGUST 2011 www.sea-technology.com

Major ThemesFour major themes will drive scientific research over the next two decades.

Enabling Stewardship of the Environment• How will sea level change, and what are the potential impacts?• What advances will be made in prediction and mitigation of oil spills and

marine industrial accidents?• How will marine ecosystem structure, biodiversity and population dynam-

ics be shaped by a changing ocean?• How will marine organisms and ecosystems be affected by ocean acidifi-

cation?• How will climate change influence the distribution of chemical elements?• How do the distributions and fluxes of organic carbon components evolve

in an altered ocean?• How and why will ocean circulation and the distribution of heat in the

ocean and atmosphere change?• How will alterations in the global water cycle influence the ocean?• How will changes at coastal boundaries alter physical and geochemical

processes?• How will coastal ecosystems respond to multiple stressors?• What are the interactions of the ocean, ice, land and atmosphere in polar

regions?• What are the potential impacts on the ocean from geoengineering?

• How does strain accumulate in underwater volcanoes and fault zones?• How can the understanding and prediction of tsunamis be improved?• How can the understanding and prediction of path and intensity of severe

storms be improved?• How will the extent and characteristics of sea ice and icebergs change?• What is the role of coastal pollutants and pathogens on human and

ecosystem health?• How do changes in the coupled ocean-climate system affect human

health and welfare?• What is needed for better forecasting of major events?• How can the impacts of sea ice change be mitigated?

Promoting Economic Vitality• How can humanity ensure sustainable food production in the ocean?• How can humanity maximize energy and mineral resource extraction

while minimizing impacts?• What is the ocean’s potential as a source of renewable energy?

Increasing Fundamental Scientific Understanding• How does Earth’s interior work, and how does it affect plate boundaries,

hot spots and surface manifestations?• What are the plausible rates and magnitudes of climate change?• How can the effects of ocean and atmosphere interactions be better para-

meterized?• What processes dominate mixing in the ocean and on what space and

timescales?• How does fluid circulation within the ocean crust impact chemistry and

biology of the subseafloor and the hydrosphere?• How does the deep ocean biosphere inform the origin and evolution of

life?• What regulates the diversity and rates of molecular and biochemical evo-

lution in the ocean?• What is the biodiversity of the deep sea?• What are the sensory and communication systems in marine ecosystems?• How does the ocean contribute to the Earth’s carrying capacity?

ships will work at a maximum level whenthe goals, responsibilities, resources anddata sharing, and limits are agreed upon atthe onset. For the ocean research enterprise,these types of collaborations are inherentlyinterdisciplinary and multidisciplinary.However, the overall success rates andeffectiveness of all collaborations need to beimproved.

Helping to Develop New CapabilitiesThe technological foundations underpin-

ning ocean infrastructure continue to evolve

Protecting Life and Property• How does strain accumulate in underwater volcanoes and fault zones?• How can the understanding and prediction of tsunamis be improved?• How can the understanding and prediction of path and intensity of severe

storms be improved?• How will the extent and characteristics of sea ice and icebergs change?• What is the role of coastal pollutants and pathogens on human and

ecosystem health?• How do changes in the coupled ocean-climate system affect human

health and welfare?• What is needed for better forecasting of major events?• How can the impacts of sea ice change be mitigated?

The G2 Slocum glider is a versatile remotesensing AUV for ocean research and monitoring. The small relative cost of operation and the ability to command multiple vehicles with minimal personnel and infrastructure make glider fleets ideally suited to study and map dynamic ocean features around

• Ocean Observation Initiative (OOI) — Coastal Glider Contract

• Ocean Observation Initiative (OOI) — Open Ocean Glider Contract

• U.S. Navy— Littoral Battlespace Sensing Glider

(LBS-G) Contract

Slocum Gliders Offer:

• Modular design with interchangeable science bays

• Standard and custom sensor integration

• Deep ocean capabilities

• World class customer support

The Leading Provider of Glider Fleets

Worldwide

capital in the global marketplace of 2030, it is likely thatmany ocean science infrastructure components will appeal tosmall markets. In these cases, incentives could be provided todevelop assets that have potential to address societal needs.Ensuring that optimal investments transition from research tooperation and commercialization could be part of the five-to-10-year formal infrastructure review.

Encouraging high-risk, high-reward activities would ensurenovel approaches remain part of the technology portfolio.This could be incentivized through collaboration, whichencourages communication and lowers barriers betweenoceanography and allied disciplines (e.g., medicine, engi-neering, computer science). A final but essential step is edu-cating and training the next generation of engineers, technol-ogists and scientific users. �

AUGUST 2011 / st 21www.sea-technology.com

Committee Members Institution

Eric J. Barron (Chair) Florida State University

Rana A. Fine (Vice Chair) University of Miami

James G. Bellingham Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Emmanuel S. Boss University of Maine

Edward A. Boyle Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Margo Edwards University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Kenneth S. Johnson Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Deborah S. Kelley University of Washington

Hauke Kite-Powell Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Steven Ramberg National Defense University/PennsylvaniaState University

Daniel L. Rudnick Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Oscar Schofield Rutgers University, New Jersey

Mario N. Tamburri University of Maryland Center forEnvironmental Science

Peter H. Wiebe Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Dawn J. Wright Oregon State University

Deborah Glickson National Research Council

Heather Chiarello National Research Council

Will Tyburczy

The National Research Council committee and staff responsible forthe Infrastructure Strategy for U.S. Ocean Research in 2030 report.

Eric J. Barron is president of Florida State University. He was the direc-tor of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and was dean oftor of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and was dean ofthe Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin.Barron’s research interests are climatology, numerical modeling andEarth history.

Rana A. Fine is a professor of marine and atmospheric chemistry at theUniversity of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and AtmosphericScience. Her current research objective is to better understand therole of the oceans in climate change occurring on timescales of up todecades.

Oscar Schofield is a professor at the Institute of Marine and CoastalScience at Rutgers University. His research interests include environ-mental regulation of primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems, phys-iological ecology of phytoplankton, hydrological optics and integratedocean observatories.

The small relative cost of operation and the ability to command multiple vehicles with minimal personnel and infrastructure make glider fleets ideally suited to study and map dynamic ocean features around the clock and around the globe.

Our Recent Fleet Contracts:

• Ocean Observation Initiative (OOI) — Coastal Glider Contract

• Ocean Observation Initiative (OOI) — Open Ocean Glider Contract

capital in the global marketplace of 2030, it is likely thatmany ocean science infrastructure components will appeal tosmall markets. In these cases, incentives could be provided todevelop assets that have potential to address societal needs.Ensuring that optimal investments transition from research tooperation and commercialization could be part of the five-to-

National Research Council

National Research Council

The National Research Council committee and staff responsible forInfrastructure Strategy for U.S. Ocean Research in 2030 report.