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Why observe the ocean?
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Use case: Offshore wind energy development
Use case: Reducing whale strikes
Use case: Multi-year hurricane predictions
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Underpinning accurate weather forecasts and warnings
Empowering coastal communities, societies and the blue economy, enabling forward planning.
Monitoring marine ecosystem health and preserving life
Observing biodiversity, habitat and human impact for conservation and sustainable use.
We enable each part of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) to contribute to its highest capacity, helping to build an integrated and responsive system.
Why we observe the ocean?
Observing the ocean delivers the essential information needed for our sustainable development, safety, wellbeing, and prosperity.
What we do
We coordinate observing the ocean, covering climate and ocean health and providing more accurate weather forecasts and early warnings.
Who we are
We are an Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) led programme. The IOC is part of UNESCO.
Latest News
News Article
Over 75 Years of Fish Larvae Observations from California Coast Now Globally Accessible
April 15, 2026
News Article
GOOS Essential Ocean Variables: the backbone of a sustained and evolving global ocean observing system
February 16, 2026
News Article
Global Ocean Observing System at Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026
February 3, 2026
See all News
Upcoming Events
Roma, Italy
ICG/NEAMTWS Steering Committee May 2026
27 – 28 May 2026
Valparaiso, Chile
17th session of Observations Coordination Group (OCG-17)
11 – 14 May 2026
Colombia
First in person meeting of the IOCARIBE Marine Spatial Planning Task Team (MSP-TT)
11 May 2026
See all events
Our work
We lead the ocean observing community and create the partnerships needed to grow an integrated, responsive and sustained observing system. This means encouraging collaboration, supporting teams of experts and developing capacity.
Observations and data
A trusted and highly valuable collaborative system of sustained observations from our network of independently-managed and funded observing elements.
Knowledge and resources
A comprehensive collection of resources and documents that include best practices, reports and presentations, contributed by ocean observing experts.
Projects
Advancing innovation and expanding the observing system, services and product delivery by expanding into new areas and capabilities.
How you can join us in our vital work
The global ocean observing system needs to evolve to better meet the needs of end users. Join us and play your part in shaping and achieving our vision of a more powerful and effective global ocean observing system now.
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