The most recent edition of the EU Copernicus Ocean State Report (OSR 8) reveals a changing ocean, with record-breaking temperatures, dwindling polar sea ice, and marine heatwaves, including those in the Mediterranean Sea, which penetrated to depths of up to 1500 metres below the surface of the ocean. Other regions, such as the Baltic Sea and the Iberian-Biscay-Ireland region, also experienced significant marine heatwaves. The OSR 8 also shows the pace and extent of ocean warming due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and introduces a range of new technologies and innovations helping to improve humanity’s relationship with the ocean. 

The OSR 8 is a peer-reviewed report produced by the Copernicus Marine Service which is implemented by Mercator Ocean International. It delivers an overview of the state of the ocean with a focus on 2022 and 2023 and presents detailed scientific findings supported by satellite observations, in situ measurements and state-of-the-art computer models. An accompanying interactive summary for policymakers highlights the main findings of the report, trends, and variations in ocean monitoring indicators. It provides in-depth explanations of some of the major oceanic and climatic processes touched on in the main report and introduces some of the new tools and innovations supporting the marine industry and society as a whole.