Global Ocean Observing System

Observing the Ocean.
Informing the Future.

The ocean shapes our world every day — influencing weather, climate, ecosystems, economies, and the future of our planet. By observing it together on a global scale, we build the knowledge needed to respond to today's challenges and prepare for future changes.

More than 9,000 platforms are collecting vital ocean observations every day

Explore the system

64

Countries

17

Networks

9,389

Platforms

From Ocean Data to Real-World Impact

Ocean data is already powering weather and extreme event forecasting, climate adaptation, coastal and maritime risk responses, biodiversity stewardship, and sustainable ocean economies.

Explore Impact
Climate

Coastal communities using sea level data for infrastructure planning

Long-term tide gauge and satellite altimetry data guiding coastal resilience investments

Southern Ocean

Learn more
Observations

Autonomous platforms keeping watch through the fiercest storms

Moored and drifting instruments deliver data where ships cannot stay

North Atlantic

Learn more
Science

From samples to services: ocean data in the laboratory

Biogeochemical observations feeding models, forecasts and assessments

Global

Learn more
Climate

Sea level knowledge guiding tomorrow's coastal infrastructure

Long records turned into planning tools for exposed communities

Pacific Islands

Learn more
Forecasting

Ocean observations behind every weather and marine forecast

Real-time data streams feeding prediction centres worldwide

Southern Ocean

Learn more

We are driving the future of ocean observing through global partnerships, innovation, and collaborative initiatives

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) drives and supports major international collaborative initiatives. These projects aim to expand ocean observing capacity, develop predictive systems, and engage global communities to address critical climate and maritime challenges.

Initiatives

Ocean Observing Co-Design

Transforming our ocean observing system assessment and design process. We bring together observing networks, modeling centers, and key stakeholders to co-design a fit-for-purpose global ocean observation pipeline.

Learn more