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 with support from the Member States Expert Group on Ocean Observation, an advisory body established by the European Commission.
Building on the National Charts, the collations are intended as a robust basis for improving coordination, identifying gaps, learning from other countries, and implementing best-practice approaches in national systems by recognising the potential for synergy in ocean observing. Ultimately, this should aid in more efficient coordination of policy and funding efforts towards a sustained European Ocean Observing System (as per the EOOS Roadmap 2023-2027) and efficiently deliver data to databases as a central hub for data and information gathered through national routines.
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
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.
In the European Ocean Pact published in 2025, the European Commission committed to a European Ocean Observation Initiative, with OceanEye as a key component. This commitment opens a discussion on the future role and governance structure of EOOS and its contribution to a more coordinated European approach to ocean observing.