On 10 June 2025, the European Commission presented the Ocean Pact at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), setting out six strategic objectives for the sustainable use and stewardship of the ocean. One key objective: advancing ocean knowledge, skills and literacy, closely aligns with AQUARIUS’ mission. At a special UNOC event, Preparing the Future of European and Global Research Fleets, AQUARIUS coordinator Aodhan Fitzgerald addressed the pressing issue of the carbon footprint of oceanographic fleets. Through its transnational access programme, AQUARIUS enables researchers, especially those from smaller projects, to access vessels, drones, and infrastructure across Europe.
