GOOS Status Report 2026 highlights progress and remaining gaps in global ocean observing

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has released its 2026 Status Report, providing an overview of the progress, challenges, and priorities for strengthening sustained ocean observations worldwide.

Published on 5 November 2026, the GOOS Status Report 2026 presents updated information on the performance of global ocean observing networks, national contributions, and the societal benefits of ocean observations.

According to the report, 67 countries currently contribute to physical and biogeochemical observations at sea through 17 GOOS observing networks monitored by OceanOPS, the operational centre of GOOS. These observations, complemented by satellite measurements and marine ecosystem monitoring initiatives, provide essential information for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, coastal risk management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable ocean economies.

Progress and challenges in global ocean observing

The report highlights continued progress in developing and maintaining global ocean observing capabilities, supported by established observing networks, long-term reference observatories, regional systems, and emerging technologies.

However, significant gaps remain. Ocean observing capacity is unevenly distributed, and many networks face challenges in securing the sustained funding required to maintain and expand their activities.

In particular, the report identifies the need to strengthen long-term observations in the Southern Ocean, polar regions, marginal seas, the deep ocean, and coastal areas, especially in developing countries and Small Island Developing States.

Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment, stronger international cooperation, improved data sharing, and better coordination between national, regional, and global observing efforts.

Strengthening coordination for a sustainable observing system

The findings reinforce the importance of regional cooperation in contributing to a more integrated, resilient, and sustainable global ocean observing system.

Through its Regional Operational Oceanographic Systems (ROOS), EuroGOOS supports coordination among European ocean observing communities, helping connect regional priorities and activities with broader European and global ocean observing efforts.

Strengthening these connections is essential to ensure that ocean observations continue to support scientific research, operational services, informed decision-making, and societal needs.

Explore the GOOS Status Report 2026

The interactive report provides access to:

• Updated statistics and performance indicators from the 17 GOOS observing networks.
• An interactive map showing observing platforms and reference observatories by country.
• Examples of efforts to address critical observing gaps in polar regions.
• Case studies illustrating how ocean observations support coastal resilience, marine ecosystem monitoring, and climate adaptation.
• Information on a new International Alliance to support and strengthen GOOS, led by the European Union and Canada.

The report also showcases examples of international collaboration and the role of ocean observations in delivering tangible benefits to communities worldwide.

Explore the full interactive report: GOOS Status Report 2026