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 protection and restoration, coastal resilience, maritime safety, and a sustainable ocean economy. The OceanEye initiative acknowledges ocean observation as critical infrastructure, putting it at the forefront of EU priorities.
The importance of strengthening global ocean observing is globally recognised. As organisations working at the intersection of ocean, climate, weather, and Earth system information, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – both co-sponsors of GOOS – have long highlighted the need for a more resilient and equitably funded observing system:
“Ocean observing is essential infrastructure that supports the wellbeing, safety, and prosperity of all nations – coastal and landlocked alike. As ocean change accelerates, strengthening the global ocean observing system must be an urgent collective priority. We must observe the ocean as if our lives depend on it, because they do,” says Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC of UNESCO.
“Europe’s investment in OceanEye is an investment in our shared global observing system. By strengthening GOOS and connecting observations through WMO’s global infrastructure for data exchange and prediction, OceanEye will improve forecasts and early warnings worldwide – protecting lives, livelihoods and our common future”, says Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of WMO.
OceanEye reflects this urgency and positions Europe as a leader in advancing coordinated international ocean observing efforts, building on Europe’s long-standing role in supporting ocean observing and its coordination by GOOS. The funding linked to OceanEye includes an initial €50 million commitment, under Horizon Europe, to strengthen the EU’s contribution towards the observing capabilities of the global ocean observing system, amongst other commitments. This strategic initiative from the EU creates a unique opportunity for the European ocean observing community to come together around a shared ambition, building on existing strengths and ongoing efforts to align with global long-term observing needs, and advance a more integrated and fit-for-purpose ocean observing system.
“The strength of this opportunity will come from bringing the ocean observing community together. GOOS with its regional alliance, EuroGOOS, are committed to supporting an open and inclusive process that builds on existing networks and expertise. We are working towards a coordinated approach that enables the European community to contribute collectively to a stronger European global observing system that supports the global whole,” says Joanna Post, GOOS Director and Head of Observations, Data and Services at IOC of UNESCO.
Building on a long-standing partnership between GOOS and EuroGOOS, and on EuroGOOS’s unique role in translating the global GOOS vision into coordinated regional action across Europe, the two are well positioned to lead and support these developments on both a European and a global level. Through its regional systems and thematic networks, EuroGOOS already connects national observing efforts across Europe’s sea basins and channels them into the global system coordinated by GOOS. OceanEye now offers the means to deepen that coordination, align it with long-term global observing needs, and bring together the full breadth of the European community around a shared ambition.
“The European ocean observation community is excited and energized by the leadership of the European Commission, in recognising the value of ocean observation. This opportunity will help better coordinate both global and European efforts and create a truly participatory system for the benefit of Europe and beyond,” says Renuka Badhe, Secretary General of EuroGOOS.
The OceanEye initiative arrives at a moment when the continuity of the global observing system can no longer be taken for granted. Europe is signalling that sustained, openly shared ocean observations are a strategic priority. GOOS and EuroGOOS stand ready to work with the European Commission, Member States and international partners to turn this ambition into a resilient, integrated and equitably funded observing system, one that sustains the networks the world already relies on while building a more cohesive community, with lasting benefits for science, society and the ocean economy globally.
Joint GOOS-EuroGOOS announcement in .pdf
European Commission’s announcement on OceanEye
About GOOS:
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) provides leadership and coordination for a global system of sustained ocean observations. It is the foundation for data-driven solutions for weather and extreme event forecasting, climate adaptation, coastal and maritime risk responses, biodiversity stewardship, and sustainable ocean economies. Through a globally integrated infrastructure of ocean observing networks, national and regional observing initiatives, and with the guidance of its expert panels, GOOS ensures the delivery of essential ocean information that supports ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. GOOS is a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC).
About EuroGOOS:
EuroGOOS is the European component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) of UNESCO. Based in Brussels, it brings together 47 members and supports five regional systems to strengthen and coordinate ocean observations. By identifying priorities, fostering collaboration, and promoting the value of operational oceanography, EuroGOOS drives the sustained measurements needed to deliver fit-for-purpose marine services.