Global Ocean Observing System

Observing the Ocean. Informing the Future

Governments at UN General Assembly support global ocean observation

A new International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has been launched during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, mobilizing commitments from governments to strengthen support for ocean observations, which are vital for all nations – coastal and landlocked alike. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney officially […]

Read more »

Ocean Observing Co-Design: Lessons and recommendations for policy at the midpoint of the Ocean Decade

The Global Ocean Observing System has published a set of practical lessons and recommendations to guide the implementation of co-design processes for ocean observing projects. Sustained ocean observations are increasingly recognized as essential to the wellbeing, safety, and prosperity of all nations, coastal and landlocked alike. Ocean data coming from observing networks already underpin weather […]

Read more »

A new series of Dialogues with Industry | Fall 2026

GOOS is excited to announce the return of the Dialogues with Industry series, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, government, and scientists to explore future key markets. This three-part global forum will address Accelerating Ocean Enterprise Growth in Future Key Markets — Developments, Disruptions, and Vision. The Dialogues with Industry are organized by the Marine Technology […]

Read more »

Call for applications: OCG Vice Chair Data & Information

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is seeking applications for Vice Chair Data & Information for its Observations Coordination Group (OCG). GOOS is the global lead for ocean observing coordination. Its OCG works to guide and strengthen the implementation of GOOS and relevant aspects of WMO and IOC observing systems through coordinating across the global […]

Read more »

EU OceanEye initiative offers a pivotal moment for strengthening global ocean observation

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and its long-standing European regional alliance EuroGOOS welcome the European Commission’s OceanEye initiative as a major step for Europe’s contribution to global ocean observation and intelligence.  Ocean observation is a public good that underpins our ability to understand and respond to a changing ocean – supporting climate adaptation, environmental […]

Read more »

EU and IOC of UNESCO unite in International Alliance to strengthen global ocean observations

The International Alliance, a key part of the recently launched EU OceanEye initiative, will directly support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), helping build long-term resilience for ocean observing and its global coordination, as well as address critical gaps in under-monitored regions in the Southern Hemisphere, the Arctic, deep sea, and coastal areas. On 3 […]

Read more »

Redwing recovery: a story of global collaboration and coordination in ocean observing

On 19 May 2026, scientists, ocean modellers, navigators, and ocean observation experts came together to continue a unique mission: recovering an underwater robot that had sustained unexpected damage during an unprecedented global journey. The story began in October 2025, when Redwing, a new-generation autonomous ocean glider, slipped beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Deployed […]

Read more »

WMO Statements of Guidance outline critical gaps in the global ocean observing system

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published its Statements of Guidance, identifying key gaps in Earth observing systems and providing strategic recommendations to guide coordinated national action. For the first time, observational needs for oceanic and cryospheric applications are considered alongside atmospheric applications. The three Statements of Guidance for Atmospheric, Oceanic and Cryospheric Applications are […]

Read more »

Over 75 Years of Fish Larvae Observations from California Coast Now Globally Accessible

Spanning from 1951 to the present, the dataset representing one of the longest continuous records of marine fish early life stages in the world was recently published through the Ocean Biodiversity Information System. This is an extremely valuable contribution to the Fish Abundance and Distribution Essential Ocean Variable of the Global Ocean Observing System. Long-term […]

Read more »

GOOS Essential Ocean Variables: the backbone of a sustained and evolving global ocean observing system

A newly published paper consolidates more than a decade of international work on Essential Ocean Variables – the core measurements that enable a truly global, integrated ocean observing system. Since its inception in 1991, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has worked toward a single overarching goal: to enable a truly global, coordinated, and sustained […]

Read more »
To top