As the Group of Seven (G7) prepares for a new cycle under the 2026 French Presidency, international cooperation on ocean observation and prediction systems continues to be seen as essential for addressing global ocean challenges.
The G7 Future of the Sea and Ocean Initiative (FSOI) Working Group remains a key forum for coordinating shared priorities and activities among G7 countries and the European Union to support a sustained global system of ocean observations, data, and information.
For 2026, the French Presidency has identified several high-priority areas, including OneArgo, resilience of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, and the development of a Digital Twin Ocean.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the global capacity to observe and predict changes in the ocean environment.
Strengthening Global Ocean Observation
Since its establishment in 2016, the G7 FSOI Working Group has brought together government representatives and scientists from G7 countries and the European Union to address major ocean issues. Its work focuses on strengthening ocean observations, improving digital infrastructure and prediction systems, supporting decision-making through reliable data, and enhancing regional observing capacity.
During the first day of the Ottawa meeting, participants shared national updates on ocean-related scientific initiatives and policies. Discussions also focused on coordinated actions to observe the Arctic Ocean, support the OneArgo ocean monitoring array, expand ocean carbon observations, and advance technologies for observing and forecasting marine life.
The Canadian Presidency also organized a special session dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence in ocean science. A workshop of technical experts explored how AI could be responsibly and effectively integrated into ocean research to improve understanding and prediction of ocean processes.
Key Priorities for 2026
In addition to the headline initiatives, the FSOI Working Group agreed on several other priority topics for the coming year. These include:
- Augmented observing and forecasting for marine life
- Arctic Ocean observing
- Global ocean monitoring indicators
- Governance, coordination, and sustained funding for ocean observing systems
- Ocean carbon monitoring
- Integration and harmonization of marine research infrastructures
- Support for the World Ocean Assessment
These priorities were confirmed during the G7 FSOI Working Group meeting held on 19–20 November 2025 in Ottawa, Canada, under the Canadian G7 Presidency.
Collaboration with Global Partners
On the second day of the meeting, members received updates from key FSOI partners, including the Ocean20 Engagement Group under the G20 South Africa Presidency, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the World Ocean Assessment, and the Deep Sea Observing Strategy (DOOS).
Participants also discussed progress on priority areas such as governance and sustained funding for ocean observing systems, digital twins of the ocean, integration of marine research infrastructures, and the development of global ocean monitoring indicators.
Transition to the French Presidency
The meeting concluded with the formal handover of G7 FSOI co-chair responsibilities to France and the United States, marking the beginning of the next phase of the initiative under the 2026 French G7 Presidency.
Activities of the G7 FSOI are supported by a Coordination Centre funded by the European Union through the EU4OceanObs project, which helps facilitate collaboration and coordination across international partners.
Source: G7