The International Alliance, a key part of the recently launched EU OceanEye initiative, will directly support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), helping build long-term resilience for ocean observing and its global coordination, as well as address critical gaps in under-monitored regions in the Southern Hemisphere, the Arctic, deep sea, and coastal areas.
On 3 June 2026, the European Commission officially launched OceanEye, an ambitious initiative designed to strengthen ocean observation, improve access to ocean intelligence and reinforce international cooperation for a sustainable and resilient ocean future.
At the heart of OceanEye is a clear recognition that understanding and protecting the ocean requires sustained, coordinated and globally connected observations. The initiative identifies ocean observation as critical infrastructure, essential for climate action, marine ecosystem protection, sustainable ocean management, maritime safety and the future of the ocean economy.
A key element of OceanEye is the creation of an International Alliance to support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), which is an IOC-led programme providing leadership and coordination for a global system of sustained ocean observations.
The International Alliance will be coordinated by the European Commission and IOC, and will bring countries and partners together to secure sustained investment, promote open and accessible ocean data, and strengthen GOOS capacities worldwide. These efforts are closely aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), led by IOC, which seeks to ensure that ocean knowledge directly supports societal needs.
“We call on all Member States and global partners to join us to support the Global Ocean Observing System and make OceanEye a reality,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Moving from vision to action
The momentum behind OceanEye continued on 10 June during the first Digital Ocean Week in Brussels, organised by Mercator Ocean International. The event brought together European institutions, Member States and ocean organisations to discuss the implementation of OceanEye and its role in strengthening global ocean observing capacity.
During the event, the IOC and Mercator Ocean International signed a Cooperation Agreement to deepen collaboration in support of GOOS. Digital solutions and AI are fully dependent on data, and in turn Europe’s emerging digital ocean capabilities can contribute to the optimised design and delivery of a stronger global observing system.
Next steps: Our Ocean Conference
The next opportunity to advance the International Alliance’s support for GOOS will come at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, where OceanEye will be presented during a dedicated side event on 17 June with an aim to gather commitments to support the long-term sustainability of GOOS and strengthen international cooperation for ocean observation.
“Strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System is not just a scientific challenge, it is a governance challenge. We need an optimised system that countries can sustain over time, and this will only be possible with stronger investments and closer cooperation with governments,” said Vidar Helgesen, IOC Executive Secretary.
As humanity faces accelerating changes in the ocean and on land, resilient and strong observing systems are more important than ever. OceanEye signals growing recognition that investing in ocean observations today is an investment in security and safety, climate resilience, biodiversity, sustainable development and the future of society and our planet.
About GOOS:
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) provides leadership and coordination for a global system of sustained ocean observations. It is the foundation for data-driven solutions for weather and extreme event forecasting, climate adaptation, coastal and maritime risk responses, biodiversity stewardship, and sustainable ocean economies. Through a globally integrated infrastructure of ocean observing networks, national and regional observing initiatives, and with the guidance of its expert panels, GOOS ensures the delivery of essential ocean information that supports ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. GOOS is a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC).
About IOC:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the UN’s lead body for ocean science, promoting international cooperation to strengthen the management, sustainable use, and resilience of the ocean. Bringing together 153 Member States, the IOC coordinates global efforts in ocean observations and services, tsunami warning systems, ocean science, capacity development, and ocean literacy, ensuring that science effectively informs policy, society, and sustainable ocean governance. Through its work, the IOC contributes to UNESCO’s mission to advance scientific knowledge and build capacity as foundations for peace, societal progress, and sustainable development. As the coordinator of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the IOC leads global efforts to transform ocean knowledge into action for the benefit of people and the planet.
About the Ocean Decade:
Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) seeks to stimulate ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the decline of the state of the ocean system and catalyse new opportunities for sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The UN General Assembly mandated the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO to coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.
