The 9th edition of the Copernicus Ocean State Report (OSR 9) reveals alarming evidence: every part of the global ocean is now affected by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Published by the Copernicus Marine Service, this flagship report provides a comprehensive assessment of ocean health and its implications for ecosystems, society, and the economy.
Key Findings:
Record Ocean Temperatures: Global sea surface temperat
ures reached an unprecedented 21°C in spring 2024, marking the highest level since satellite records began in 1982.Accelerating Sea Level Rise: Sea levels have risen 228 mm since 1901, with the rate of increase now 30% higher than in the 1990s, threatening coastal communities and cultural heritage sites.
Marine Heatwaves: In 2023, the Tropical North Atlantic experienced a record-breaking marine heatwave, affecting over 99% of the region and lasting more than 300 days in some areas.
Ocean Acidification and Biodiversity Loss: Rapid warming and acidification are harming marine ecosystems, with a third of critically endangered corals already impacted.
Plastic Pollution: All ocean basins are contaminated by plastic waste originating from every continent.
The ocean absorbs 90% of excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical buffer against climate change. However, these changes are destabilizing marine ecosystems, food security, and coastal economies. The OSR 9 underscores that “everything is connected”—when the ocean changes, so do ecosystems, societies, and economies.
Advancing Ocean Monitoring
The report highlights advances in satellite observations, in situ measurements, and numerical modeling, as well as the importance of regional monitoring to complement global assessments. These tools are essential for informed decision-making and for achieving the goals of the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters” by 2030.
Read the full report and interactive summary: Copernicus Ocean State Report 9