Reef monitoring guides marine protection

Ocean health Published 15 Jan 2026 Townsville, Australia

How two decades of sustained reef observations gave marine park managers the evidence to redraw protection zones. [Placeholder — copy not written yet.]

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Why reef observations matter

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The diversity of coastal and biological observing activities is one of the current big challenges, both to integrate new data flows and to expand capacity globally to meet real and urgent needs. This is one of the key areas that needs additional coordination capacity, new and low-technologies, however it also offers opportunities to develop a truly integrated global observing system.

In the face of climate change, the global community must work together to improve the coverage, quality, and multidisciplinary nature of the observing system to meet vital forecasting services and societal needs. OceanOPS can help make these connections.

Mathieu Belbéoch

OceanOPS Manager

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In the face of climate change, the global community must work together to improve the coverage, quality, and multidisciplinary nature of the observing system to meet vital forecasting services and societal needs. OceanOPS can help make these connections

Mathieu Belbéoch

OceanOPS Manager

World Meteorological Organization UNESCO — Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Variable Network Platforms Status
Sea surface temperature Argo 4,021 Operational
Ocean colour Satellite 12 Operational
Oxygen BGC-Argo 561 Expanding
Zooplankton CPR Survey 38 Pilot
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  • Amara Diallo

    Australian Institute of Marine Science

  • Tom Whitaker

    Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

  • Sofia Marino

    IOC-UNESCO