From Arctic to tropics, Commission report sounds alarm on ocean health

Every part of the ocean is now under threat from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, according to the ninth report on the state of the ocean, published today by the Marine Environment Monitoring Service of Copernicus, the EU Earth observation system.

The findings show that ocean warming is accelerating, marine biodiversity hotspots are at increasing risk, and acidification is advancing fast. Plastic pollution now affects all ocean basins, while endangered species and coral reefs face critical threats.

Key findings from this year's report include:

• Unprecedented warming: In spring 2024, global sea reached a record temperature of 21°C, with major impacts on the Earth's ecosystem.
• Marine heatwaves: In 2023 and 2024, ocean temperatures exceeded previous records by over 0.25°C, affecting ecosystems, fisheries and coastal economies.
• Rising seas: Sea levels rose 228 millimetres between 1901 and 2024, threatening 200 million Europeans living in coastal areas and putting UNESCO World Heritage Sites at risk.
• Invasive species: During the 2023 Mediterranean heatwave, warmer waters increased invasive species such as Atlantic Blue Crabs and Bearded Fireworms, driving local fisheries to the brink of collapse.
• Declining sea ice: Between December 2024 and March 2025, Arctic Sea ice recorded four consecutive all-time lows, losing an area nearly twice the size of Portugal.

The annual Copernicus report provides vital data on how changes in the ocean affect ecosystems, food security, economies, coastal communities and global climate regulation.

Through its Copernicus system, the EU is stepping up action by providing trusted data to monitor the ocean's health and to support measures that protect biodiversity, cut pollution and strengthen resilience against climate change.

For More Information

Ocean State Reports | CMEMS

EU Space Programme