The ocean is essential to human wellbeing, economic prosperity and climate stability but our understanding of it remains limited and unevenly distributed. Ocean observation systems provide essential data on temperature, currents, sea levels, wave dynamics, species distribution and ecosystem health, helping to improve weather and climate forecasts, strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems, support ocean-based industries and inform evidence-based policies for sustainable ocean management.
This policy brief examines the value of global ocean observing systems, highlighting their critical role in protecting communities and ecosystems, supporting livelihoods and economies, and delivering international ocean and climate commitments. It explores the challenges threatening their long-term effectiveness, including insecure and geographically concentrated funding and limited data access as well as opportunities for governments and partners to strengthen international collaboration, investment and data sharing, ensuring ocean observations are recognised and supported as essential global public infrastructure.
Header Photo Credit: Jeff Milisen, NOAA PIFSC
