17 September 2009: UNESCO’s OceanObs’09 Conference, held from 21-25 September 2009, in Venice, Italy, will seek to take stock of the progress made over the last ten years, presenting scientific results based on global ocean observation, considering the related societal and economic benefits, examining the present frontiers of global ocean observations, and looking at the way ahead in the coming decade.

Ocean observation methods have impacted the way climate change and physical oceanic variability is measured, along with awareness of the impacts of changes on marine ecosystems. The agenda of this meeting further includes ensuring the sustainability of the observing system, and commitments to further enhance and continue operations are needed from satellite agencies and for in situ networks. Understanding the role of carbon flux between the atmosphere, land and sea is another challenge that scientists must meet if the consequences of political decisions regarding carbon emissions are to be monitored and assessed. [UNESCO press release] [OceanObs’09 official website]