Leveraging robotics, sensor innovation and data strategies to address the triple planetary ocean crisis: A framework of essential ocean variables

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has identified climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss as the most critical and interconnected challenges facing humanity today, collectively known as the "triple planetary crisis." Each of these issues uniquely impacts the ocean, and monitoring these effects requires both advanced and traditional technologies working in tandem. Since 2012, the Essential Ocean Variables (EOV) framework has been central to global ocean observation efforts. This framework standardizes parameters, methodologies, and data documentation, making it possible to ensure data compatibility on a global scale and creating a solid foundation for collaborative research. In Germany, three Helmholtz Research Centers—Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon—have united their expertise in marine and polar research to establish the Strategic Helmholtz Infrastructure MUSE (Marine Environmental Robotics and Sensor Technologies for sustainable Research and Management of Coastal, Ocean, and Polar Regions). With decades of experience in environmental observation, these centers are pooling resources to create MUSE as a cutting-edge infrastructure. MUSE aims to advance robotic sensor technology, sustainable energy solutions, and data systems, transforming current robotic platforms into an integrated and cohesive fleet for comprehensive ocean monitoring. A central focus of MUSE is the development of modular, state-of-the-art environmental sensors, power sources, and data management systems. These innovations will enhance the ability of robotic ocean observation systems to measure the full spectrum of Essential Ocean Variables, especially those that are vital for studying biodiversity and pollution. This aligns with the standards set by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) working groups and addresses critical needs in biodiversity and pollution research. By building upon these modular systems, MUSE is positioned to tackle immediate and emerging challenges in ocean observation. MUSE also has a strong emphasis on accessibility and affordability, aiming to create modular and cost-effective solutions that can be deployed by the global oceanographic community. This approach seeks to democratize access to high-quality ocean data, ultimately making a tangible impact worldwide. By following the principles of FAIR data management—ensuring that data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—MUSE upholds transparency and collaboration in ocean science. To support data-sharing efforts, MUSE will leverage the DataHub, a comprehensive data infrastructure initiative that aligns with Germany’s national data strategy (NFDI). DataHub provides an innovative framework for managing data and metadata, facilitating seamless data flow and interoperability on a global scale. Through this initiative, MUSE's contributions will not only advance scientific understanding of the ocean but will also enable informed decision-making, conservation efforts, and climate action. In essence, MUSE represents a bold leap forward in ocean observation, combining expertise, cutting-edge technology, and open-access principles to confront the urgent challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis. By advancing ocean monitoring capabilities and promoting global collaboration, MUSE is set to make a transformative impact on sustainable research and the stewardship of marine environments.