BGC-Argo: Advancing Biogeochemical Ocean Observations to Address Global Challenges

The world’s oceans are undergoing continuous transformation, driven not only by natural fluctuations but increasingly by human impact. In this context, understanding the ocean through in-situ observations has never been more urgent. Since the 1990s, the Global Ocean Observing System has brought together global organizations, governments, and scientists to monitor the oceans using thousands of in-situ instruments and satellite data. At the core of the system is OneArgo, a pioneering international network of autonomous profiling floats, supported by IOC-UNESCO and WMO.

Launched in the 2010s, BGC-Argo, the biogeochemical arm of OneArgo, has rapidly emerged as the world’s most ambitious program for ocean biogeochemical monitoring. In recent years, the array has rapidly grown, with over 20 countries now operating nearly 400 floats globally that measure more than five key biogeochemical parameters. This initiative paves the way for a new era of real-time, high-resolution biogeochemical data, transforming our understanding of critical ocean processes such as the carbon cycle, ocean acidification, and ecosystem health.

In the context of societal and environmental challenges, this presentation will highlight how BGC-Argo positions itself as a key player in delivering critical data and products that support not only oceanographic research and exploration but also the developement of  operational services, shape policy decisions and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.