Research Call to Address Ocean Oxygen Loss to Open
The initiative seeks to investigate the 2% drop in global ocean oxygen levels documented since the 1960s starting in late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Environmental
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JPI Oceans will launch a global research call on 18 November 2026 to investigate the drivers and impacts of ocean oxygen depletion. This initiative seeks to address the 2% decline in oxygen inventory observed globally since the 1960s.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanisms behind deoxygenation is critical for predicting future shifts in marine food webs and ecosystem stability. The research call aims to synthesize data on how climate change and human activities accelerate oxygen loss in coastal and open-ocean environments.
Since the 1960s, global marine environments have seen a 2% reduction in total oxygen inventory. This decline is characterized by accelerated deoxygenation in coastal zones versus the broader global ocean, though the precise interaction between human-driven inputs and climate warming remains under study.
The players
JPI Oceans
An intergovernmental platform that facilitates collaborative research and long-term scientific coordination across European and global maritime environments.
The details
Ocean deoxygenation occurs as warmer water holds less dissolved gas and stratification prevents oxygen-rich surface water from mixing with deeper layers. This research initiative will examine these processes across marine habitats to determine how localized oxygen drops alter species survival and food web structures. The findings are intended to refine models that track long-term ocean health and biodiversity resilience.
Timeline
1960s: Global oceans begin a documented 2% decline in oxygen inventory.
18 November 2026: The research application window opens for prospective projects.
1 March 2027: The final deadline for all research application submissions.
The Tech Race
This initiative aligns with international efforts to quantify the speed of marine environmental degradation. It follows established research priorities from the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere regarding the cascading effects of oxygen loss on global ecosystems.
This initiative focuses on high-level scientific data collection that informs long-term marine management and global environmental policy. Residents of coastal communities and those reliant on marine food industries will see the downstream impacts of this research as governments develop new strategies for ecosystem conservation.
The takeaway
The research call aims to provide the foundational data necessary to model the future of marine oxygen levels. Watch for the announcement of selected projects after the 1 March 2027 submission deadline to see which regions and drivers scientists prioritize for intervention.
What happens next
Prospective research teams should prepare to submit applications for this call between 18 November 2026 and 1 March 2027.
Further reading
Explore ongoing Environmental studies regarding the shifting health of our oceans.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jpi-oceans.
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