The overarching objective of AtlantOS is to achieve a transition from a loosely-coordinated set of existing ocean observing activities producing fragmented, often monodisciplinary data, to a sustainable, efficient, and fitfor-purpose Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System (IAOOS).

This will be achieved through research and innovation activities focused on: defining requirements and systems design, improving the readiness of observing networks and data systems, engaging stakeholders around the Atlantic, as well as strengthening Europe’s contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), a major component of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), its Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), and specifically on its emerging “Oceans and Society: Blue Planet” initiative. AtlantOS contributes to blue growth by merging new information needs relevant to key sectors such as transport, tourism, fisheries, marine biotech, resource extraction and energy with existing requirements. AtlantOS significantly contributes to trans-Atlantic cooperation by integrating existing observing activities established by European, North and South American, and African countries and by filling existing gaps to reach an agile, flexible IAOOS and associated ocean information systems around the Atlantic.