Supported by EU4OceanObs, the EU action coordination of the G7 Future of the Seas and Ocean Initiative (FSOI) works to promote the EU’s international ocean governance objectives and priorities related to the collection and use of ocean observations. The EU action coordinator works with the other G7 FSOI coordinators to form a distributed Coordination Centre that implements the initiative’s activities under the guidance of the G7 FSOI National Focal Points and the Working Group.

Specifically, the EU action coordination of the G7 FSOI:

G7 FSOI activities focus on resource mobilisation and international commitments to implement the ocean observing system, monitoring those commitments, and aligning them across the G7. Click here for more information.

This involves linking stakeholder needs and policy drivers to data collection, data transformation into products and services, data access, interoperability, and sharing, and enhanced use of ocean information by stakeholders and decision-makers.

Lead in the development of an international framework for Global Ocean Indicators, that build on and link to existing frameworks and initiatives interested in collaborating from Europe (e.g. Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS), the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS), EuroGOOS, EU4OceanObs), and internationally (e.g. the IOC, UN Ocean Decade, and G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans). Click here for more information. 

Lead by example by supporting the coordination of ocean observations within Europe and take a leading role in increasing their spatial and temporal resolution across the Global Ocean. Support sustained long-term capacity for ocean observation management, coordination, integration, and co-design by building on existing European coordination initiatives, e.g. EU4OceanObs and EOOS. (Click on links for G7 FSOI activities on Biogeochemical Argo, Marine Life, Surface CO2 monitoring, Governance, and Observing System Evaluation Framework)

Take a leading role in regional and global data sharing, modelling, and prediction. Promote partnerships between the planned ‘Digital Twin Ocean’ and marine data infrastructures and modelling and prediction services outside of Europe.  (Link to G7 FSOI activity on DTO capabilities)

For information on the EU International Ocean Governance Forum, click here.

The EU action coordination of the G7 FSOI is implemented by Mercator Ocean International in Toulouse, France, and headed by Maria Hood. Maria is a chemical oceanographer, specialising in ocean carbon cycle monitoring. She has spent most of her career leading oceans and climate programmes for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, including the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project, the IOC’s ocean acidification activities, and the Ocean Observations Panel for Physics and Climate.

Contact

Maria Hood (mhood@mercator-ocean.fr)
G7 Future of the Seas & Ocean Initiative – EU Action Coordinator at Mercator Ocean International