GLOBAL EXPERTS GATHER IN GALWAY FOR MAJOR OCEANOGRAPHIC CONFERENCE

Global experts gather in Galway for major Oceanographic Conference. 10th EuroGOOS International Conference taking place in Galway providing a critical opportunity to mobilise partnerships and efforts to enhance global ocean observations to provide the vital data needed for improved forecasts and early warning systems to protect people and planet.

The European Global Ocean Observing System (EuroGOOS) 10th International Conference titled ‘European operational oceanography for the ocean we want – addressing the UN Ocean Decade Challenges’ takes place this week in Galway, Ireland between 3rd – 5th October 2023.

The triennial conference unites ocean science observers, forecasters, technology developers, policy makers, data services and users, and other international experts. The event has been endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science as an official Ocean Decade Activity. The three-day programme addresses a wide range of oceanographic topics with a focus on further developing services for society at large. Conference themes include marine knowledge value chain, ocean data and forecasting services, EU priorities including the Digital Ocean Twin, and the science behind Europe’s oceanographic capacity.

In his welcoming address to delegates, Michael Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute said:

“The 10th International EuroGOOS conference is a great milestone for EuroGOOS. There is an overwhelming sense of a community that are active and enthusiastic about the future of operational oceanography in Europe and its critical importance in informing key decisions on marine issues such as ocean warming, sea level rise and ocean acidification. This global gathering of experts here in Galway comes at a critical time as we work to protect the health of our shared ocean by coordinating programmes in areas such as ocean observations.

Dr. Colm Lordan, Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services, Marine Institute also delivered a keynote address at the event discussing the data, science and evidence needs to inform the development of offshore renewable energy. Dr. Lordan highlighted:

“that it is essential that this transition to secure offshore renewable energy also delivers net gains for sustainable seafood production, while protecting and restoring marine ecosystems”.

Ireland, through the Marine Institute has been a member of EuroGOOS since 2005 and supported EuroGOOS in its transition to becoming a legal entity in 2012.