ObsSea4Clim: Ocean observations and indicators for climate and assessments

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Published June 29, 2026 | Version v2
Publication Open

Europe's Warming Seas - Tackling the increasing risk of marine heatwaves (Policy Briefing)

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change
  • 2. ROR icon Danish Meteorological Institute
  • 3. ROR icon National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
  • 4. Ecole Normale Superieure, Departement des Geosciences, Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, IPSL, PSL
  • 5. ROR icon European Global Ocean Observing System
  • 6. EDMO icon IEEE France Section

Contributors

Researcher:

  • 1. ROR icon Mercator Ocean (France)
  • 2. ROR icon National University of Ireland, Maynooth
  • 3. ROR icon GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

Description

Climate change dramatically reshapes ocean conditions, as evidenced by ocean warming that extends from the surface to the subsurface across all ocean basins. Key climate impact drivers include rising sea-level, marine heatwaves and changing weather patterns. Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are becoming more frequent, intense, and long-lasting across European seas. They are only partially predictable and highly disruptive to
marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and ocean-based economies, requiring urgent integration into EU climate adaptation and marine policy frameworks.
Scientifically, MHWs remain insufficiently understood and monitored, particularly when it comes to their subsurface manifestation and evolution.
Strengthening scientific understanding, monitoring capacity, and early warning systems for MHWs will therefore be essential to support resilient marine management and informed climate policy across Europe.

Read our policy recommendations in the document below.



Disclaimer
ObsSea4Clim is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

About ObsSea4Clim
https://obssea4clim.eu/
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101136548

Files

Policy brief - MWHs (for online use).pdf

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
ObsSea4Clim - Ocean observations and indicators for climate and assessments. 101136548