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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.

Image credit: Vivek Mehra / Ocean Image Bank

The three Statements of Guidance for Atmospheric, Oceanic and Cryospheric Applications are a result of 2 years’ work by international groups of experts under the WMO Rolling Review of Requirements – a structured and continuous process for ensuring that observational systems evolve in line with user needs. They provide a unique, cross-domain view of gaps and priorities, along with strategic recommendations for governments, meteorological services, research institutions and funding bodies on how to sustain and improve current observing systems.

The Statement of Guidance for Oceanic Applications was coordinated by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and WMO. However, all three documents highlight the shared importance of sustained observations of GOOS Essential Ocean Variables such as sea temperature, salinity, sea level, currents and sea ice across multiple application areas, from weather forecasting and climate prediction to hazard warning systems. High priority is also given to above the ocean atmospheric Essential Climate Variables such as air temperature, wind and humidity, which are measured by GOOS ocean observing networks near the surface and in the upper atmosphere. This integrated perspective across the three Statements of Guidance helps identify where coordinated investment in observing systems can deliver greatest societal benefit.

“The Statements of Guidance should be a key reference for observing implementors, national agencies and policymakers to assess and address critical gaps in the global ocean observing system across key service delivery areas encompassing weather, climate, operational oceanography, and hazard warnings,” says Emma Heslop, IOC Programme Specialist and GOOS lead for the Statement of Guidance for Oceanic Applications. 

GOOS invites you to join the official release webinar on the 26th of May 2026, 12:00 UTC, where each Statement of Guidance will be presented. To find more information and register for the webinar, please follow the link here.

The full Statements of Guidance can be found here:

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