28 Sep 2026
EU and Canada launch OceanEye Alliance to strengthen global ocean research
The European Union and Canada have launched the OceanEye International Alliance to reinforce the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), securing nearly €220 million in initial pledges from 31 members.
Announced during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, the alliance aims to address critical gaps in ocean data infrastructure and ensure long-term, coordinated support for marine observation. GOOS currently delivers around 120,000 observations daily through 8,000 platforms operated by 64 countries and 17 global networks.
The EU has committed an additional €92 million through Horizon Europe. This includes €50 million for observing networks and high-seas equipment, €30 million for innovative monitoring technologies through the European Innovation Council, and €12 million to maintain international in-situ data flows via EMODnet for Global. Canada pledged C$82 million over five years.
Funding will support existing platforms, data-reporting systems, coordination hubs and the OceanOPS centre, while expanding the use of research vessels, sensors, drones and data-processing facilities.
For researchers, the initiative promises more reliable and openly accessible ocean data for climate modelling, weather forecasting, biodiversity research, coastal protection and maritime safety. It also supports the development of a European Digital Ocean System and Digital Twin Ocean, planned to be fully operational by 2030, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive modelling.
The alliance is co-supported by IOC-UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation.
For more information: