Understanding the European ocean observation landscape: ECOO overviews

The Enhancing Coordination and Synergies in the Field of Ocean Observation in the EU (ECOO) study, commissioned by the European Commission, has completed the first phase of its work with the publication of four complementary overviews of the European ocean observation landscape.

Europe benefits from a broad range of ocean observing activities that support environmental policy, climate action, maritime safety, scientific research, the sustainable blue economy and many other societal needs. These activities are carried out by numerous organisations operating at national, regional, European and international levels. While this diversity represents a major strength, it also presents challenges for coordination, long-term planning and the efficient use of observing capacities.

The four overviews provide a structured analysis of the current European ocean observation system from complementary perspectives:

1. Purpose of ocean observations – examines why ocean observations are undertaken and how research, policy-driven and operational observing systems interact. 

 

2. Governance and coordination – analyses responsibilities, mandates and coordination arrangements across national, regional, European and international levels. 

 

3. Execution of ocean observations – describes how observations are implemented in practice, including infrastructures, observing platforms and operational arrangements.

 

4. Coordination initiatives – reviews existing coordination mechanisms and identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration and synergies across Europe. 

 

Together, these overviews provide a common evidence base to inform discussions on the future development of European ocean observation. They are intended to support dialogue among Member States, European organisations and the wider ocean observation community by identifying strengths, shared challenges and opportunities for improved coordination.