Page 37: of Marine News Magazine (March 2025)

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Feature

UNOLS © Scripps Institution of Oceanography / UC San Diego based research far exceeds our capac- ity,” Applegate said. “We need more global-class vessels that can work in the world’s harshest conditions.”

Workforce shortages present a sig- ni? cant challenge in addition to ? eet size constraints. Hiring and keeping mariners, technicians, and scientists in their positions becomes more chal- lenging over time. UNOLS tackles workforce shortages by supporting the

Marine Advanced Technology Educa- tion (MATE) program and STEM-

SEAS initiative that educate students about oceanographic research careers.

RVs Addressing

Global Challenges

Research vessels play a critical role in tackling pressing marine science challenges. Oceanographic research informs policies that pro- tect marine ecosystems and coastal communities, from

Undergrad Students spend the day studying climate change impacts and ocean acidi? cation aboard the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul.

to assessing earthquake risks along fault zones.

Applegate highlighted how past missions have led to sig- ni? cant discoveries, including hydrothermal vents, deep- sea ecosystems, and insights into earthquake mechanics. be required for replacements as several top-tier vessels will “Some of the greatest discoveries in ocean science have complete their service life by the end of the next decade. been serendipitous,” he said. “Being at sea with the right Applegate alerts that the United States trails its global peers tools and people allows us to make observations that fun- in oceanographic capability as China rapidly builds its ? eet. damentally change our understanding of the planet.” “If we want to maintain our leadership in ocean science, we need a stronger commitment to ? eet renewal,” he stated.

Funding and the Future of UNOLS UNOLS maintains its dedication to providing U.S.

Oceanographic research holds signi? cant value yet contin- scientists with essential tools, technology, and access that ues to struggle with ongoing funding dif? culties. UNOLS enable them to achieve revolutionary ? ndings as ocean- depends mainly on ? nancial backing from the National Sci- ographic research advances. UNOLS helps de? ne ocean ence Foundation (NSF) and the Of? ce of Naval Research research’s trajectory by integrating advanced sensors, ex- (ONR) yet existing funding fails to satisfy expanding research panding autonomous systems capabilities, and pushing for needs. “If we doubled our budget tomorrow, we would still greater federal support.

have enough scienti? c projects ready to use that additional “The work we do impacts everything from weather fore- capacity immediately,” Applegate emphasized. casting to national security,” Applegate concluded. “In-

UNOLS has identi? ed ? eet recapitalization as its primary vesting in ocean science today ensures a better understand- focus for future development. A signi? cant investment will ing of our planet for future generations.” www.marinelink.com MN 37|