As the G7 enters a new cycle under the 2026 French Presidency, international cooperation on ocean observations and prediction systems remains critical to addressing critical Ocean issues. Mercator Ocean International, through its coordination role under the EU4OceanObs project, continues to support the G7 Future of the Seas and Ocean Initiative (FSOI) Working Group and its efforts to set priorities and strategic alignment among G7 members towards a sustained global ocean observing and forecasting system.
Since 2016, the G7 FSOI Working Group has brought together government representatives and scientists from the G7 countries and the European Union to address key Ocean issues. Its work focuses on ocean observations, digital infrastructure and prediction systems, information to support decision making, regional observing capacity, and political cooperation.
The G7 FSOI Working Group met on 19–20 November 2025 in Ottawa, Canada, under the Canadian G7 Presidency, bringing together government representatives and scientists from the G7 countries and the European Union.
During the meeting, G7 FSOI members reviewed progress and agreed on priorities for 2026. Discussions focused on coordinating Arctic Ocean observations, supporting the OneArgo array, strengthening ocean carbon observations, and improving the observation and forecasting of marine life. A dedicated session convened by the Canadian Presidency explored the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance ocean understanding and prediction. Their related workshop on the topic included the participation of Mercator’s AI experts. Read more here about Mercator’s efforts to advance ocean forecasting with AI.
Participants also received updates from key partners, including the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Ocean20 Engagement Group under the G20 South Africa Presidency, the World Ocean Assessment, and the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy (DOOS), alongside discussions on digital twins of the ocean and the integration and harmonization of marine research infrastructures. To highlight the importance of global ocean indicators to the group, Mercator Ocean International’s Dr. Karina von Schuckman provided a virtual presentation to G7 FSOI members, summarizing her recent lead-author publication in the Journal of Marine Policy on the topic.
The meeting concluded with the handover of G7 FSOI co-chair responsibilities to France and the United States. For 2026, the French Presidency has identified OneArgo, GOOS resilience, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twin Ocean as high priority topics. Other priority topics for 2026 include:
- Augmented Observing and Forecasting for Marine Life
- Arctic Ocean Observing
- Global Ocean Monitoring Indicators
- Governance, Coordination, and Sustained Funding for the Observing System
- Ocean Carbon
- Marine Research Infrastructure Integration and Harmonization
- Support for the World Ocean Assessment
Through EU4OceanObs, Mercator Ocean International will continue to support the G7 FSOI in advancing coordinated, sustained, and impactful global ocean observations and forecasts in intergovernmental fora.