Marine and Brackish Water Observation Systems, Networks and Existing Databases

Marine and brackish water ecosystems and resources, especially those with high biodiversity, are being threatened by many anthropogenic activities. Urgent assistance is required to conserve these vital resources and implement sustainable management. One of main objectives of the marine and brackish water system is to ensure effective planning, establishment and coordination of an operational observing system of ocean and all seas, to provide the information needed for oceanic and atmospheric forecasts. This is because ocean observations are needed for terrestrial weather prediction and for analysis and prediction of sea state and ocean weather. If the integrity of the ocean system has not been paid careful attention, all life would be expected to begin a final death spiral. The key to survival is in the sea; and this chapter summarizing the main features of the observation mission of seas and oceans with special emphasis on the role of the oceans in global change research; it also highlights the efforts of worldwide agencies and actors and the characteristics of global observation systems that are capable of operating in real-time.UNESC