Brussels: The ninth Ocean State Report, published today by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service of the EU’s Earth Observation System, was presented by the European Commission, with Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, underlining that “the data is the basis for action” and that “now we have the tools to transform observation into solutions”.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the report reveals the critical state of oceans, as every corner is now threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The findings confirm that ocean health is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Key observations include global sea temperatures reaching a record high of 21°C, with significant impacts on marine ecosystems.
Marine heatwaves in 2023 and 2024 saw ocean temperatures exceed previous records by over 0.25°C, posing threats to fisheries and coastal economies. Sea levels have risen by 228 millimeters since 1901, putting 200 million Europeans in coastal areas at risk, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
During the 2023 Mediterranean heatwave, rising temperatures facilitated the spread of invasive species such as the Atlantic Blue Crab and Bearded Fireworm, pushing local fisheries to the brink of collapse. Additionally, Arctic sea ice recorded four consecutive all-time lows between December 2024 and March 2025, losing an area nearly twice the size of Portugal.
Commissioner Kadis stated: “The conclusions of the Ocean State Report reveal a difficult but essential diagnosis. The triple planetary crisis-climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution-is no longer a future threat but a present reality in our ocean basins.”
Kadis emphasized that data is foundational for effective action. The Ocean Pact’s Ocean Observation Initiative is leveraging the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, a tool built on marine data from Copernicus Marine and EMODnet, to transform data into predictability. This enables moving from observation to solution.
The Commissioner highlighted the ability to simulate the spread of invasive species, forecast the impact of heatwaves on fish stocks, and test the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) before implementing them. “These tools are crucial for a resilient and sustainable blue economy,” he added. “The ocean is sending us a clear signal; we are now better equipped to answer it.”
Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized the importance of the Copernicus system as a leading Earth observation tool. “As an owner of Copernicus, the most unique Earth observation system, the Union can monitor the state of the Earth’s environment and its subsystems,” Kubilius stated.
Mr. Kubilius also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to the continuity and evolution of Copernicus, ensuring Europe’s Earth observing capacity is comprehensive, bringing together public and private actors and capacities. He noted that “the space economy is all about unleashing the power of space systems and services to offer solutions in different policies and market sectors.”