EOV (Essential Ocean Variable)

An Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) is one of a defined set of ocean measurements identified by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) as the minimum needed to track ocean state and variability for high-impact phenomena. GOOS recognizes 36 EOVs across physical, biogeochemical, and biology-and-ecosystem domains; the 12 biology-and-ecosystem EOVs run from phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass to fish abundance, marine mammals, and seabirds. Each EOV has a specification sheet setting required accuracy, resolution, and readiness, so observations from Argo floats, moorings, ships, and satellites stay comparable and interoperable worldwide. GOOS is co-sponsored by the IOC of UNESCO, WMO, and UNEP. EOVs underpin climate, operational, and ocean-health reporting.