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Abstract Recent changes in US oceanographic assets are impacting scientists' ability to access seafloor and sub‐seafloor materials and thus constraining progress on science critical for societal needs. Here we identify national infrastructure needs to address critical science questions. This commentary reports on community‐driven discussions that took place during the 3‐dayFUTURE of US Seafloor Sampling Capabilities 2024 Workshop, which used an “all‐hands‐on‐deck” approach to assess seafloor and sub‐seafloor sampling requirements of a broad range of scientific objectives, focusing on capabilities that could be supported through the US Academic Research Fleet (US‐ARF) now or in the near future. Cross‐cutting issues identified included weight and size limitations in the over‐boarding capabilities of the US‐ARF, a need to access material at depths greater than ∼20 m below the seafloor, sampling capabilities at the full range of ocean depths, technologies required for precise navigation‐guided sampling and drilling, resources to capitalize on the research potential of returned materials, and workforce development. 

The Table S1-S6 are curated breakout notes from the NSF-funded FUTURE 2024 Workshop (March 26-28, 2024).  During the workshop, the first day of discussions focused on “Critical science questions that require seafloor sampling,” where participants: (I) defined the important sample types/sampling environment of their research; (II) assessed how well this seafloor environment is currently sampled; (III) reviewed how sample repositories/databases are currently used; and, (IV) evaluated justifications for acquiring new samples. Each breakout session culminated with a discussion of (V) what important science questions could be addressed soon (5–10 years), with existing or forthcoming assets and technologies, versus (VI) what might take longer (10+ years) and/or require the development of new assets or technologies. These motivating topics fed into the second day of discussions, which focused on “Aligning seafloor sampling technology with critical science questions.” Groups were guided by a common set of prompts, including what current resources were essential to the participants’ research, and what were the greatest challenges they faced in recovering the materials needed. The participants also discussed whether they could acquire the materials needed to address their science questions given current US assets (Figure 1 in FUTURE 2024 PI-team, 2024, AGU Advances 2024AV001560), how sample repositories and databases could be optimized for science needs, and the justification for acquiring or developing new technologies.