Canary Islands' Ocean Monitoring Initiative

Overview

The Canary Islands' Government has officially announced a cooperation agreement with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to maintain the CARBOCAN network, a vital system for monitoring oceanic CO₂ levels and acidification around the archipelago. This initiative aims to gather long-term data on how the region’s waters absorb and respond to increased CO₂, a critical factor in understanding climate change impacts in an island context.

The collaboration, formalized in November 2025 and published recently, involves deploying oceanographic buoys, conducting measurements via ships, and integrating data with international networks like ICOS and SOCAT. Given the archipelago’s unique marine environment—surrounded by Atlantic waters and vulnerable to rising temperatures and acidification—such monitoring is essential for informed policymaking.

Goals and Benefits

• Support Spain’s broader climate goals, particularly recognizing the ocean’s role as a large carbon sink.
• Address the specific needs of the insular community.
• Enhance scientific understanding of climate change’s local effects.

Investment and Activities

• The project receives a €360,000 government investment over four years.
• Plans include:
  • Regular data sharing
  • Research
  • Public awareness campaigns

Significance

This partnership positions the Canary Islands as a key player in global ocean observation efforts and climate resilience, supporting the vital role of the oceans in mitigating climate change.