Mercator Ocean International (MOi), the implementor of the Copernicus Marine Service, has unveiled the much-anticipated EU Copernicus Ocean State Report 8 (OSR 8), delivering essential insights into the current health and climate of the world’s Oceans. Released annually, coordinated by MOi, and funded by the European Union, the Ocean State Report is a flagship publication that informs policymakers, scientists, businesses, and the public about the vital role the Ocean plays in regulating the planet’s climate and supporting life.

The Ocean State Report 8, prepared in collaboration with an extensive network of global and European experts, draws on state-of-the-art scientific analysis. It leverages cutting-edge computer models, satellite data, and in situ measurements to provide an accurate and timely overview of Oceanic conditions, emerging trends, and their societal impacts. The accompanying Summary for Policymakers distills the report’s findings into actionable insights, highlighting the critical need for informed Ocean governance and science-based policy decisions.

Some Key Highlights:

• In 2023, 22% percent of the global Ocean surface experienced at least one severe to extreme marine heatwave event.
• Since 2005, the pace of Ocean warming has almost doubled. Global Ocean warming
• started to rise from around 1960 onwards, yet the rate jumped from 0.58 watts per square metre (W/m2) to 1.05 W/m2 over the past couple of decades.
• A new method to measure Earth’s energy budget shows a significant positive trend of 0.75 W m2 between 1993-2022, indicating increased warming of the Ocean.
• 2023 saw the lowest sea ice on record in the world’s polar regions. The Arctic region has lost 4% of sea ice per decade during the period 1979-2023, following an increase in surface water temperature in the region. Meanwhile, the Antarctic region has reached the lowest ever sea ice value since satellite records began, with a loss of 1.9 million km2 compared to the 1993-2010 average — an area three times the size of France.
• In August 2022, record-breaking temperatures of 29.2ºC hit the coastal waters in the Balearic Islands — the warmest regional sea surface temperature in forty years. In the same year, a marine heatwave in the Mediterranean Sea stretched to roughly 1,500m below the surface, showing how heat can spread throughout the water column.
• Nearly two-thirds of the Baltic Sea suffered marine heatwaves in 2022, and they are increasing in frequency. Temperatures rose as high as 9.6°C above normal in the Gulf of Bothnia.
• In 2022, an unusual cold spell southeast of Crete caused an extreme phytoplankton bloom lasting between 3-4 weeks. The bloom, probably caused through increased mixing of deep and shallow waters, was 50% more intense and started a month later than would be expected in this region.
• The tallest 5% of global Ocean waves have grown much higher in recent years.
• Record-breaking waves struck the port of Melilla, in Spain during a violent storm in 2022, with strong winds and high sea level pressure gradient driving waves up to 7.3 metres and lasting more than nine seconds.
• New tools and technologies are helping to monitor the Ocean and support our society. A case study in the Baltic Sea reveals how heat from seawater could be extracted to power renewable energy installations, while state-of-the-art analysis of extreme wave events could improve future coastal infrastructure.

Transition into Intergovernmental Organisation

As Mercator Ocean International prepares to transition into an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), its role in providing Ocean prediction services and delivering digital Ocean infrastructure becomes even more crucial. This transformation is part of MOi’s ongoing commitment to provide the knowledge and tools to bridge the gap between Ocean science and policy. The organization aims to deliver operational Oceanography and digital solutions that will empower governments and institutions to make informed decisions in support of a sustainable blue economy.

The organization’s mission—to deliver accurate, real-time Ocean data and forecasts—enables policymakers to mitigate the impacts of climate change and foster resilient, Ocean-dependent economies. By transforming science into actionable policy insights, MOi helps to shape the future of Ocean governance, ensuring that decision-makers have the knowledge they need to protect the Ocean and its resources for generations to come.

Important links:

• Article : Copernicus Ocean State Report 8 Release | CMEMS
• Full report: SP – Volume 4-osr8, 2024 (copernicus.org)
• OSR8 Summary for policymakers: EU Copernicus Ocean State Report 8 Summary (adobe.com)
• MOi Press Point Sept 26, 2024 : Ocean State Report #8 Press Release I 26 Sept. 2024
• For any press inquiries please contact us at: press@mercator-ocean.fr