Ocean observations are undertaken with a variety of means including ships, satellites, gliders, floats and fixed observing platforms. Each of these complementary means allow observations of ocean processes on different space and time scales, but all have inherent limitations and advantages.

Fixed-point water column observatories and repeat sampling sites in the open ocean enable long-term time series as a means to investigate mid- to long-term processes and detect changes in ecosystems and ocean dynamics in remote regions. Multidisciplinary research is carried out in various sites throughout the world oceans allowing observations from the air-sea interface to the deep ocean.

In this session we bring together researchers from all ocean disciplines working on in situ observations in the open ocean to share results and discuss challenges and future plans of open ocean observatories. We welcome contributions in all areas of observational oceanography including physics, biology, chemistry and biogeochemistry and encourage those addressing intersections between disciplines and research themes. This could also include using ocean observatories to inform satellite algorithms and numerical models.

Examples of topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Results from specific fixed-point water column open ocean observatories (ship-based and autonomous platforms), particularly from long term sustained programmes.
2. Insights from collaborations and international programmes
3. Specific methodologies to address technical and scientific challenges of the open ocean
4. Air-sea interactions, ocean surface meteorology and shallow-water processes
5. Processes in the water column
6. Water column ecosystems
7. Management of fixed-point water column open ocean observatories