EuroSea: Improving and Integrating European Ocean Observing and Forecasting Systems for Sustainable use of the Oceans

Although the ocean is a fundamental part of the global system providing a wealth of resources, there are fundamental gaps in ocean observing and forecasting systems, limiting our ability in Europe to sustainably manage the ocean and its resources. Ocean observation is “big science” and cannot be solved by individual nations; there is a need to ensure high-level integration for coordinated ocean observations that can be sustained over the long term. EuroSea brings together the main European ocean observation and forecasting players with the key end-users of ocean observations, responding to the flagship initiative “Future of the Seas and Oceans”. Our vision is a truly interdisciplinary ocean observing system that provides the essential ocean information needed for well-being, blue growth and sustainable ocean management.

EuroSea will strengthen the European and Global Ocean Observing System (EOOS and GOOS) and support its partners. EuroSea will increase the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of critical components of ocean observing systems and tools, and in particular the TRL of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. EuroSea will improve: European and international coordination; observing system design tailored to European needs; in situ observing networks; data delivery; integration of remote and in situ data; and forecasting capabilities. EuroSea will work to integrate individual observing elements into an integrated observing system and connect end-users with observing system operators and information providers. EuroSea will demonstrate the usefulness of the European Ocean Observing System through three demonstration activities focusing on operational services, ocean health and climate, where a dialogue between ocean observing system actors will guide the development of services, including market replication and innovation in support of blue economy development.