**Alexandra Cousteau Urges Global Leaders to Prioritize Ocean Observation for Recovery Efforts**
At the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, renowned ocean advocate Alexandra Cousteau, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced the launch of the OceanEye International Alliance. This initiative aims to enhance the Global Ocean Observing System and calls on governments worldwide to leverage improved ocean knowledge to expedite the protection and restoration of the oceans.
Cousteau, who serves as a senior advisor to Oceana, emphasized the significance of accurate and comprehensive ocean data. "We welcome President von der Leyen’s and Prime Minister Carney’s leadership on OceanEye and global ocean observation. Better information gives us something enormously powerful: the ability to see what is happening in the ocean, where recovery is possible, and what it will take to accelerate it," she stated.
Her remarks reflect a long-standing family legacy in ocean exploration, with her grandfather, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and father, Philippe Cousteau, having made significant contributions to ocean awareness. Alexandra Cousteau has dedicated over two decades to advancing ocean advocacy, focusing on restoring ocean abundance amidst the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental pressures.
The urgency of understanding changes in marine ecosystems is underscored by the ongoing climate crisis, which is increasingly affecting coastal communities and marine life. Cousteau noted that at Oceana, the organization witnesses firsthand how improved data can lead to informed decision-making. This includes tracking fishing activities, combating illegal fishing, protecting marine habitats, and rebuilding fisheries.
The OceanEye initiative is part of the broader European Ocean Pact, which aims to bolster ocean observation, research, and knowledge sharing. Launched by the European Commission in 2026, it seeks to establish the EU as a global leader in ocean intelligence, with a target of contributing 35 percent of the global ocean observing system by 2035.
Vera Coelho, Vice-President and Executive Director of Oceana in Europe, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “At a moment when international scientific cooperation is under pressure, and when the climate crisis is being directly felt by millions of Europeans, the international effort behind OceanEye demonstrates a serious and timely recognition of the importance of the ocean for humanity.” She emphasized that Europe has a unique opportunity to align enhanced knowledge with robust action through the forthcoming Ocean Act.
The Ocean Act is anticipated to be a pivotal framework that translates scientific understanding of the ocean into effective policies aimed at its recovery. Oceana advocates for a binding and enforceable Ocean Act that would strengthen ocean protection, rebuild fish populations, and prioritize the health of marine ecosystems as a fundamental goal of EU policy.
The information generated through ocean observation is crucial for various applications, including weather and climate forecasting, maritime safety, coastal resilience, and sustainable ocean economies. As Europe enhances its capacity to monitor ocean conditions, it is essential that this knowledge informs policy decisions that will shape the future of marine environments.
The OceanEye International Alliance aims to foster international cooperation and mobilize investment in ocean observation. By bringing together countries and partners, the initiative seeks to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System and ensure that the data collected supports both environmental sustainability and the economic viability of coastal communities.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts represented by the OceanEye initiative and the forthcoming Ocean Act signify a critical step towards ensuring the health of the world's oceans. By prioritizing ocean observation and translating knowledge into actionable policies, global leaders can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.