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International ocean-observing community meets in Malta for joint MedJICARP and EuroGOOS workshop

On 14 and 15 July 2026, the Department of Geosciences hosted the MedJICARP Malta Workshop, held jointly with the EuroGOOS HF Radar and Fixed Platforms Task Teams. The event brought together researchers, ocean-observing system operators, public authorities, industry representatives and other stakeholders for two days of scientific exchange and planning for the future of ocean observation across the Mediterranean and beyond.

The workshop was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Frank Bezzina, who highlighted the importance of ocean observation for climate resilience, sustainability, maritime safety and the Blue Economy, as well as the value of international cooperation in understanding and protecting the Mediterranean Sea.

The event attracted 61 registrations from 17 countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. It formed part of MedJICARP, an Interreg NEXT MED project in which the University of Malta leads Work Package 5, focusing on capacity building, knowledge sharing and regional cooperation in marine observation.

The programme combined scientific and technical presentations with stakeholder perspectives and practical planning sessions. Discussions covered HF radar data standards and quality control, radar-derived wave information, wave and current monitoring, drifter deployments, data gap filling, sensor calibration and maintenance, biofouling mitigation, and the operational challenges faced by fixed ocean-observing platforms.

Particular attention was given to transforming marine observations into useful operational services. Representatives from the , the , , the , and contributed by providing perspectives on water management, environmental decision-making, maritime safety, pollution and emergency response, and regional cooperation.

Parallel and round-table sessions identified priorities including closer cooperation between HF radar operators and manufacturers, stronger stakeholder engagement, improved data sharing and quality control, and greater collaboration on fixed and cabled observatories. Participants also contributed to roadmaps and action plans for MedJICARP and the EuroGOOS Task Teams.

The event was organised by Prof. Adam Gauci with support from Audrey Zammit, David Ramirez from the Department of Geosciences and Lucienne Bugeja, Operations and Events Manager.

The meeting strengthened connections between Mediterranean project partners, European ocean-observing networks and local stakeholders. Its outcomes will contribute to a more connected, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-observation system across the Mediterranean.