EU invests 92 million euros in ocean monitoring as US cuts funding for climate data network

The European Union announced a 92 million euro ($107 million) investment package called OceanEye to expand its ocean monitoring network using underwater drones and satellites. The move comes as the Trump administration plans severe cuts to the U.S. Ocean Observatories Initiative, a network of over 900 sensors that has collected real-time data on ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, and climate change for more than a decade. The U.S. currently provides more than half of global ocean data through the Global Ocean Observing System, while Europe contributes about a quarter. EU officials say the investment will help close knowledge gaps in biodiversity and seabed mapping, and support industries like shipping, fisheries, and coastal tourism. The EU aims to cover 35% of Earth's maritime monitoring network by 2035. Scientists emphasize that ocean data is critical for understanding climate change impacts, including stronger storms and heat waves, and for informing regulations on fisheries and marine protection. The funds will go toward private tech incubators and existing institutions like the Mercator Ocean Institute, which is building a real-time digital twin of the oceans.