CEOO: Spanish Committee for Oceanic Observation

Ocean observation has a significant shortfall compared to the terrestrial environment due to technical and methodological limitations. However, there is a growing interest in the services and resources provided by the oceans, reflected in important international initiatives such as Sustainable Development Goal 14 or the recent G7 declaration (Tsukuba Communiqué). Ocean observation in Spain is carried out by several institutions without the existence of a coordinating body. The Spanish Committee for Ocean Observation (CEOO) has recently been created and is made up of the main Spanish institutions that make systematic observations of the ocean: IEO, State Ports, CSIC, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, University of Malaga, AZTI Tecnalia, INTECMAR, CETMAR, PLOCAN and SOCIB (most of which are members of this proposal). The CEOO is constituted as a national interlocutor to bring out synergies, optimise resources, identify needs and promote the sustainability of the marine observation system in Spain, mainly focusing on its role in the management of the services and resources provided by the seas and as a tool to support research. In a first phase, it will be limited to the observation of physical and biogeochemical variables. The following actions will be undertaken during the implementation of this proposal: 1- General meetings of the CEOO. 2- Executive Committee meetings. 3- Inventory of ocean observing systems in Spain. 4- Working group for the coordination of monitoring actions. 5- Working group to encourage participation in research consortia and influence science policy. 6- Agree on common positions and discuss documents to be discussed in international organisations. 7- Analysis of the costs of ocean observing systems. 8- Development of a web portal on ocean observation in Spain.