eNews

#05 2023

Co-designing the future of ocean observations

By Tammy Morris, Ocean and Polar Coordinator, Egagasini Node, NRF-SAEON

Tammy Morris, Ocean and Polar Coordinator at the Egagasini Node, took part in two workshops in Paris, France. The first of these was the GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System) Co-Design Program, a UN Ocean Decade recognised project, which looks to co-design sustainable ocean observing solutions for six societal issues organised as exemplars – Tropical Cyclones, Marine Heatwaves, Boundary Currents, Storm Surge, Marine Life and Carbon. 

Tammy is the co-lead for the Boundary Current exemplar project, which has chosen the Agulhas Current as its pilot region of interest. The workshop in Paris brought together the co-leads of the six exemplar projects to discuss progress, collaboration across the projects and way forward in terms of co-designing fit-for-purpose ocean observing systems in the global oceans.

The second workshop, the EuroSea Symposium on Ocean Observing and Forecasting, was a momentous occasion to celebrate the remarkable innovations in European ocean observing and forecasting over recent years. It served as a platform for participants to reflect on past achievements and address the challenges that lie ahead in this vital field.

The EuroSea Symposium on Ocean Observing and Forecasting served as a platform for participants to reflect on past achievements and address the challenges that lie ahead in this vital field (Photo: EuroSea)

The event aimed to present and discuss recommendations for building a sustainable ocean observing and forecasting system that provides accessible, timely and actionable data and information to all ocean users. By fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists and industry leaders, the symposium strived to develop a unified approach to ocean research and forecasting. The lessons learnt and challenges faced by the EuroSea projects provided great inspiration and collaborations for the co-leads of the GOOS Co-Design exemplar projects.

Understanding our boundary currents around South Africa is critically important. On the east coast we have the powerful western boundary Agulhas Current, while on the west coast we have the eastern boundary Benguela Current. Each is unique in their attributes and impacts on South Africa, but also critically on our society.

These currents impact our weather, climate, rainfall, fisheries, marine protected areas, blue economy industries and more. Yet they are woefully understudied and monitored. Working to co-design ocean observing systems with stakeholders, end users and government agencies will allow us to understand the unique ocean environment surrounding South Africa, but also support societies and our economy into the future.

SAEON’s Tammy Morris is the co-lead for the Boundary Current exemplar project, which has chosen the Agulhas Current as its pilot region of interest (Photo: EuroSea)

Further reading

  • For more information on the EuroSea project, visit eurosea.eu
  • Access the EuroSea Declaration here.