Global Push to Expand Ocean Observations Unveiled at UN Summit in Nice

The UN Ocean Summit in Nice marked a turning point for global ocean governance, with the unveiling of key initiatives aimed at strengthening ocean observation systems. These are vital for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, environmental protection, and maritime safety. Despite the ocean covering over 70% of the Earth's surface, vast regions remain poorly monitored, particularly in the deep ocean and remote high seas.

To close this gap, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and OceanOps have launched the 10,000 Ships in the Ocean campaign and a new expansion phase of the Argo program known as OneArgo.

The 10,000 Ships in the Ocean Initiative

This ambitious new campaign aims to increase commercial shipping participation in the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) from just over 1,000 voluntary vessels to 10,000 active contributors. These ships will deliver real-time weather and surface ocean data from across the globe, feeding critical information into weather forecasting models, early warning systems, and climate research.

Why It Matters:

• Enhanced Forecast Accuracy: With better real-time ocean data, meteorological and climate models can predict extreme weather events, optimize marine routing, and ensure safer and more efficient shipping.

• Filling the Observation Gaps: Ships are indispensable for data collection in under-observed oceanic regions, particularly where other infrastructure is lacking.

• Public-Private Collaboration: The shipping industry benefits from better forecasts and can actively contribute to the system it relies on. This initiative represents a model for mutual benefit.

• Environmental and Strategic Impact: With ocean changes accelerating, industry collaboration is essential to safeguard global shipping operations, economic interests, and marine ecosystems.

Mathieu Belbéoch, Manager of OceanOps, emphasized the importance of leveraging maritime tradition in weather sharing:

“We need to up-scale our ship-based observing system and build on the long tradition of mariners in sharing weather and ocean information for the common good.”

Currently, less than 2% of the world's cargo fleet participates in ocean data collection. Leaders in global shipping, such as Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), are among the first to commit to expanding this role industry-wide.

OneArgo: Seeing Beneath the Surface

Complementing surface observations, the Argo program revolutionized ocean science over the past 25 years by deploying nearly 4,000 autonomous robotic floats that drift with ocean currents and measure temperature, salinity, and pressure down to 2,000 meters—and more recently, even deeper.

The newly announced OneArgo initiative aims to scale this number up to 4,700 floats by 2030, while also expanding geographic reach, data types, and mission capabilities.

Key Objectives of OneArgo:

• Climate and Extreme Weather Prediction: Improved subsurface data will refine seasonal forecasts and early warnings for marine heatwaves, deoxygenation zones, and coastal flooding.

• Understanding Climate Change Impacts: OneArgo data will illuminate trends in ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and carbon sequestration.

• Sustainable Ocean Management: Long-term health and biodiversity monitoring will support marine policy, conservation efforts, and the blue economy.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted Argo’s indispensable role:

“Without Argo’s global subsurface ocean data, we are effectively flying blind when it comes to forecasting extreme weather events and understanding seasonal climate variations.”

A Blueprint for Ocean Action

Both the 10,000 Ships and OneArgo initiatives are featured as part of the Nice Ocean Action Plan, which aggregates voluntary commitments to meet Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas, and marine resources.

The summit’s high-level panels stressed the importance of coordinated, multisectoral approaches to ocean governance, calling on governments, industries, and science communities to integrate efforts. The initiatives are also aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

A joint statement from the 13 June high-level event outlines commitments to:

• Expand ship-based observation networks.

• Support sustained funding for ocean monitoring.

• Foster innovation and equitable access to ocean intelligence.

Looking Ahead

With climate threats mounting and ocean ecosystems under pressure, investments in ocean intelligence offer not just a scientific imperative, but a societal one. The dual-pronged approach—using both merchant fleets and robotic floats—represents the most comprehensive marine observation strategy to date.

By mobilizing the shipping industry and strengthening science infrastructure, these initiatives position the world to act more decisively on climate resilience, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship.