EuroGOOS International Conference

9th EuroGOOS International Conference

Advances in Operational Oceanography: Expanding Europe’s Ocean Observing and Forecasting Capacity

Context and rationale

In recent years, major developments have taken place in oceanography, particularly in the enhanced networking and cooperation in ocean observing, modeling, data management, and ocean services to society. 2021 will mark the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

The G7 Working Group on the Future of Seas and Oceans issued a statement highlighting the importance of ocean observation and monitoring activities and announcing the creation of a Coordination Centre for the ocean. The strategy of this working group is largely based on the 2030 Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) strategy in order to help deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This strategy lays the foundations for a vision of a truly integrated global system from the open ocean to the coast and from the surface to the bottom, helping to build the essential information necessary for sustainable development, security, well-being, and prosperity across three main themes: climate change, operational services, and ocean health.

The key priorities of the 2021 EuroGOOS conference will be to:

  • Discuss the new approach of the EuroGOOS strategy expanding to Climate and Ocean Health;
  • Evaluate the ongoing efforts to integrate ocean observing and data initiatives at a global level, meeting societal, policy, and economic needs;
  • Highlight the benefits of cross-cutting approaches in the EuroGOOS strategy;
  • Evaluate the role of marine research infrastructures in the oceanographic system to answer the new EuroGOOS and GOOS strategies;
  • Explore new technologies in coastal oceanography;
  • Highlight the progress in linking and aligning European ocean observing networks, stakeholders, and initiatives towards building an integrated and sustained European Ocean Observing System (EOOS);
  • Highlight the progress made in modeling around European seas;
  • Highlight the progress made in integrating and aggregating European marine data to enhance its societal and economic potential (Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, SeaDataNet, and others);
  • Identify the future steps in building EOOS;
  • Explore how EuroGOOS and its partners will contribute to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

About

Every three years, the EuroGOOS conference provides a forum of interaction between marine scientists and technologists developing operational oceanography products, and the users of these services, including decision and policy-makers as well as the private sector.

The event offers the opportunity to review the present ocean monitoring and forecasting capacities including relevant services, and to identify new science and technology priorities. The conference facilitates dialogue, experience sharing, and future planning with international partners and stakeholders, towards a more coordinated response to global challenges and societal needs related to seas and the global ocean.