OceAn science OceAn science OceAn science

different regions requires a balanced combination of in situ observing platforms, a robust
fleet of ships, remotely operated autonomous vehicles, satellites, and land-based marine
laboratories supporting specialized equipment and instrumentation. The reach of ocean
science research can be significantly expanded by leveraging the capabilities of other
disciplines, including nanotechnology, genomics, and robotics, enabling new access to and
perspectives on the ocean environment. A workforce eager to push the limits of scientific
knowledge and technological innovation will support the scientific discoveries necessary
to address fundamental scientific questions and to advance the use of scientific research
for operational activities to help meet national needs.
The research community identifies many promising areas for scientific investment
through workshops and other planning activities. The National Research Council and
other community groups also publish analyses of promising new directions in fundamental
ocean research that are used by funding agencies to guide investments 4 . Attempting to
prioritize research efforts driven by new ideas and the desire for discovery would constrain
these creative and visionary activities critical to the research enterprise. By definition, unforeseen
breakthroughs and paradigm shifts cannot be planned. Therefore, this document
focuses on underscoring—rather than attempting to define or enumerate comprehensively—the
fundamental research efforts that provide the foundation for understanding the
ocean. This document emphasizes the research efforts with particular anticipated societal
applications, while invoking the fundamental research that provides the foundation for
those applications.