The world’s oceans are racing towards their tipping point with every region now under threat from the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution
This has been highlighted through the ninth edition of the Copernicus Ocean State Report released by the Copernicus Marine Service under the EU Space Programme.
The Copernicus Ocean State Report provides a detailed analysis of the global ocean changes and their impacts on ecosystems, ocean communities, food security and climate regulations. This year’s findings reveal how profoundly human-driven pressures are impacting the ocean system, underscoring the need for urgent, coordinated action.
Ocean warming hits record high
A key concern highlighted in the Copernicus Ocean State Report is the rise in ocean temperatures. In spring 2024, global sea temperatures reached 21°C, which is the highest ever recorded. This warming isn’t just a surface issue; it also affects marine ecosystems, weather patterns and the global climate system.
Marine heatwaves in 2023 and 2024 pushed ocean temperatures more than 0.25°C above previous records. These events have become more frequent, intense, and long-lasting, disrupting fish populations, coral reefs, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
Rising seas and shrinking ice
Sea levels continue to rise, with a rise of 228mm between 1901 and 2024. This is a growing threat to the roughly 200 million Europeans living in coastal regions. Many cultures and natural landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are now increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion.
The Arctic sea ice is also disappearing at an alarming rate. Between December 2024 and March 2025, Arctic sea ice recorded four all-time lows. The ice lost in March 2025 alone covered an area four times the size of Poland, which is a sign of accelerating polar warming.
Warmer and more acidic oceans are having a significant impact on marine biodiversity. Coral reefs, already under stress from warming and bleaching, are now facing faster acidification than the global average. This chemical shift threatens not only corals but also shellfish and other marine life dependent on stable ocean chemistry.
Adding to the ecological pressure is the rise of invasive species, facilitated by changing water temperatures. The 2023 Mediterranean summer heatwave, for instance, enabled the rapid spread of invasive Atlantic Blue Crabs and Bearded Fireworms, pushing some local fisheries to the brink of collapse.
Pollution in all ocean basins
Plastic pollution continues to impact all regions of the ocean, from coastal waters to the deepest trenches. Combined with nutrient runoff, oil spills, and chemical waste, pollution exacerbates the stress on marine ecosystems already struggling with climate change and biodiversity loss.
Although the Copernicus Ocean State Report highlights key issues, it also shows progress in ocean monitoring and forecasting.
Europe leads the way in ocean observation through the Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, and the Digital Twin of the Ocean, which serves as a crucial model that simulates ocean scenarios and supports informed decision-making.
These tools allow scientists to predict the spread of invasive species, simulate the effects of marine heatwaves and evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) before implementation.
The Ocean State Report reinforces the urgency of addressing the ocean crisis as a present-day reality, not a future concern.
