Advancements in Marine Environmental Forecasting for one global ocean

  National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center (NMEFC) in China has made a series of contributions in the field of marine environmental forecasting, with a strong emphasis on attaining the goals set for UN Ocean decade and one global ocean. Since the 1980s, NMEFC has been at the forefront of innovation. It established the Z-coordinate model for sea surface temperature forecasting in the China Seas and Northwest Pacific, which was a significant step forward in regional forecasting capabilities. Subsequently, in the 1990s and 2000s, it independently developed storm surge and tsunami numerical prediction models respectively, enhancing the ability to forecast and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. In 2013, the Chinese Global Operational Oceanography Forecasting System (CGOFS) was launched, covering global temperature, salinity, and current parameters. Notably, the milestone achievement with the Mass Conservation Ocean Model (MaCOM) independently developed by NMEFC has significantly enhanced the capabilities of marine environmental forecasting since 2023. NMEFC's focus areas are extensive and crucial. It plays a vital role in modelling global and regional 3D temperature, salinity, current, and polar ice conditions. It also addresses various threats and challenges, including storm surges, tsunamis, and ecological environmental elements. Additionally, it is actively involved in responding to oil spills and pollutant leaks, as well as search and rescue operations. Moreover, its efforts in climate prediction are continuously advancing.

  In terms of research and development, NMEFC emphasizes a multi-faceted approach. It focuses on data, models (such as the mass conservation ocean model and finite volume model), and system products. It utilizes advanced methods like AI forecasting and GPU & CPU parallel I/O acceleration to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting.

  Looking towards 2030 of UN Ocean decade, NMEFC is dedicated to fulfilling strategic ambitions. This includes prioritizing the unlocking and generation of key datasets, establishing effective indicators to measure progress, and concentrating on capacity development and resource partnerships. It also aims to promote knowledge sharing, technological innovation, and the development of infrastructure for data and knowledge generation. By aligning with the objectives of the one global ocean, NMEFC is committed to making substantial contributions to creating a safe, sustainable, and well-understood ocean environment for future generations.