This year, EuroGOOS received the prestigious status of Ocean Decade Implementing Partner under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030. This recognition amplifies our ability to champion the European voice and best practices globally, promoting marine knowledge along the value chain – from observations to forecasts and knowledge services. The EuroGOOS General Assembly in May featured a dynamic world café, co-developing our action plan as a Decade Implementing Partner with members, Regional Operational Observing Systems (ROOS), Working Groups (WG) and Task Teams (TT).
Our participation in the Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona in April was marked by EuroGOOS co-organising side events on the Arctic observing system, sustained observation for the blue economy, and ocean literacy. These efforts showcased our commitment to advancing integrated and inclusive ocean observing for global benefit.
Growing community collaboration
EuroGOOS has strengthened its role in the regional and global observing and data landscape in 2024. Two outstanding organisations: +ATLANTIC CoLAB and Met Éireann joined the EuroGOOS community, enriching our collaborative capacity.
The NOOS 2030 Strategy has been recently published, marking a pivotal moment in the history of operational oceanography in the North-Western Continental Shelf Seas (NWS).
We also co-led the successful DOORS Stakeholder Conference held in Romania under the leadership of GeoEcoMar and titled “Black Sea Futures: Science, Prosperity, and People”. The event united academia, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and authorities. Stakeholder co-design workshops focused on Black Sea priorities, including marine data services, environmental monitoring, training, and youth and public engagement. At the All Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance forum in Canada, we promoted key efforts such as IBI ROOS and NOOS with a dedicated poster.
Technological Innovation for Accessible Ocean Observing
The EOOS Technology Forum, held in March during Oceanology International in London, exemplified EuroGOOS’s commitment to fostering innovation. Under the theme “Catching the momentum in ocean observing technology”, the forum engaged manufacturers, users, and technicians to discuss optimizing ocean observing technologies and enhancing data provision.
EuroGOOS’s contributions to the Arctic Ocean Regional Alliance (ArORA) advanced significantly, with endorsements from the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) and the GOOS Steering Committee. Our session at the Arctic Observing Summit in Edinburgh highlighted the value of co-designing ocean observing systems with Arctic rights holders and stakeholders, setting the stage for a pan-Arctic alliance proposal in 2025.
Societal engagement and operational oceanography
EuroGOOS reinforced the importance of societal engagement in operational oceanography. At the OceanPredict 2024 Symposium, we showcased efforts to integrate societal needs with scientific priorities through a poster highlighting the role of Ocean Literacy. We are also preparing hands-on training to help scientists engage in Ocean Literacy actions and advocacy, to be launched next year.
New partnerships in 2024 include AMRIT, BioEcoOcean, FOCCUS (1st newsletter here), and ObsSea4Clim, all launched in the first quarter of the year. As we continue projects like DOORS Black Sea, Blue-Cloud 2026, and EU4Ocean, we remain steadfast in our mission to connect ocean observing with societal needs. We also keep the rich legacy of the EuroSea project which formally closed with the final review in March.
As we look ahead, EuroGOOS remains committed to advancing coordination, fostering innovation, and ensuring that ocean observations serve both scientific progress and societal well-being.
On behalf of the EuroGOOS team and the entire EuroGOOS community, we would like to wish you Merry Observing and a Happy New Year! ☃️
