This document outlines the concept and rationale for movement to an instrument-based (moorings and gliders) program of oceanographic and ecological observations and research to support the U.S. commitment to CCAMLR and ecosystem science in the Southern Ocean. The U.S. AMLR Program's historical ship-based approach is no longer economically feasible. An instrument-based research program, in lieu of a ship-based research program, can reduce costs while still achieving NOAA’s mission in the Antarctic.