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European Ocean Observing System

The European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) framework promotes ocean observing in Europe by means of collaboration, coordination and integration among the relevant key people, institutions and facilities. JPI Oceans chairs the EOOS framework’s Resource Forum and has initiated a process to create National Charts on Ocean Observing and Monitoring in Europe.

Description

The European Ocean Observation System (EOOS) aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of national observation efforts of our ocean, seas and coastal waters. The Resource Forum within EOOS, chaired by JPI Oceans, moderates the strategic discussions for long-term resourcing of ocean observations. This entails to identify gaps in national ocean observing, to overcome organisational and regulatory barriers, and to ensure that nationally generated data reach databases in a harmonised way for widespread use and multiple reuse.

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    Overview

    Duration

    Nov 2019 - Dec 2027

    Type of action

    Strategic Engagement

    External partners

    EC services

    National Charts

    The National Charts are an outcome of the work of the EOOS Resource Forum. In 2022, the Resource Forum identified the incomplete knowledge of national ocean observing setups to be a fundamental obstacle for coordination efficiency, streamlining efforts and abatement of deficiencies. It was therefore agreed to collate information into National Charts on Ocean Observing and Monitoring, including the related downstream data flows. This ongoing work is led by JPI Oceans. 

    Building on the National Charts, the collations are intended as a robust basis to improve coordination, identify gaps, learn from other countries, and implement best practice approaches into national systems by recognising synergy potential in ocean observing. Ultimately this should aid to more efficiently coordinate policy and funding efforts towards a sustained European Ocean Observing System (as per the EOOS Roadmap 2023-2027) and cater data efficiently to databases as a central hub for the data and information gathered through national routines.

    Germany national chart

    Greece national chart

    Objectives

    EOOS vision 

    EOOS' Vision is of a European Ocean Observing System that is sustained and meets the specific needs of users. The Strategy 2023-2027 sets out the direction of EOOS' development towards this in the coming period as it transitions from a successful initiation stage of networking and structuring towards a sustained operational phase with concerted implementation activities. 

    EOOS objectives 

    • Unite the European ocean observing community through the EOOS framework, to collaboratively desing and work towards a sustained multi-platform, multi-network and multi-thematic EOOS that meets the specific needs of users.
    • Engage with European providers of services and products derived from ocean observations to improve collaboration across the marine knowledge value chain
    • Advise governance, funding and policymaking to implement recommendations towards a sustained EOOS
    Why is this important?

    High-quality, continuous ocean observation data provide the basis for advancing scientific understanding and attracting maritime innovation and development. The European Ocean Observation System (EOOS) will promote collaboration, strengthen coordination and integration to advance scientific understanding about our ocean and attract maritime innovation and development.