Advancing Coastal Ocean Forecasting: The FOCCUS Project
The Horizon Europe FOCCUS Project (Forecasting and observing the open-to-coastal ocean for Copernicus Marine Service users), kicked off last March 2024 and is making waves in the European marine community with its innovative approach to improving coastal observing and forecasting systems and expanding Copernicus marine services towards the coast. This cutting-edge research initiative focuses on enhancing the accuracy and reliability of forecasts for the complex coastal and land-sea interface regions, a critical need as climate change continues to impact marine and especially coastal environments.
The FOCCUS project brings together leading experts from various disciplines, including earth observation, modelling and hydrology, to develop and implement advanced observing and forecasting tools and techniques. By integrating data from multiple sources, including satellite observations, in situ measurements, numerical ocean and hydrological models, FOCCUS aims to provide more precise and timely predictions of ocean conditions at coastal and the land-sea interface. These enhanced forecasts are essential for a wide range of applications, from supporting maritime safety, blue economy and protecting marine ecosystems in coastal regions where important human activities take place.
FOCCUS is a collaborative effort involving institutions and organizations from across Europe, including Copernicus Marine Service, research centers, universities, and marine service providers. This collaboration ensures that the project benefits from diverse expertise and resources, fostering innovation and driving progress in ocean observing and forecasting technologies. The project also aligns with broader European initiatives, contributing to the European Green Deal and strongly supporting the transition to a sustainable blue economy. FOCCUS aims to enhance Copernicus Marine Service's coastal dimension by developing innovative products and integrating Copernicus Marine Service with Member State services.
Schematic of the three pillars of FOCCUS to
pursue the development of seamless monitoring and forecasting of the ocean, focused on the coastal systems. This framework will enable key improvements to the state-of-the-art and the development of new tools and products.
The European marine community, Copernicus Marine Service and member state coastal services stand to gain significantly from the outcomes of the FOCCUS Project. Enhanced coastal forecasting capabilities will provide valuable insights for decision-makers, helping them to respond more effectively to the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental pressures. Moreover, the project's focus on user-driven services means that stakeholders from various sectors, including industry, government and academia will have access to tailored, high-quality data that meets their specific needs.
As FOCCUS continues to develop and refine its coastal monitoring and forecasting tools, the project promises to set new standards in ocean prediction and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable marine environment. The European marine community is encouraged to stay engaged with the project, explore its developments, and leverage its innovations to support their own work in safeguarding our oceans and coasts.
For more information on the FOCCUS Project, visit foccus-project.eu and subscribe to our newsletter!
