We are excited to let you know that the Surface Ocean CO₂ Observing Network (SOCONET) alongside the Fishing Vessel Observing Network (FVON) and Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) Subsea Cables became a Global Ocean Observing System emerging network. Find out more on these 3 new additions from an article published on the GOOS website.

Our work to formalize a loose affiliation of observing platforms (from merchant and research vessels, moorings as well as sailing boats and uncrewed surface vehicles) that lacked formal integration and coordination into SOCONET started in early 2018 and GOOS approval earlier this year stands for completion of a first milestone towards fully formalized and coordinated network.

In the coming months our work with the SOCONET interim Steering Committee, and starting in January 2025, fully appointed Steering Committee will focus on development of the SOCONET Implementation Plan including development of an observing network design exercise; development and coordination of 3 topic-specific Task Teams and embedding SOCONET operations into OceanOPS dashboard.

With recently secured funding for global coordination of SOCONET from a number of stakeholders (EU OceanICU Project, US NOAA GOMO, EU TRICUSO Project) we hope to be able to develop and moderate SOCONET webpage and use other communication platforms to inform you more directly and frequently on developments and opportunities.