Commission report finds devastating Arctic changes and record marine heatwaves

The ocean is changing at an alarming rate, with direct consequences for marine life, coastlines and communities around the world. That is the main conclusion of the tenth Ocean State Report, published today by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, the EU's Earth observation programme. The report draws on data going back to 1960 and shows that, due to rising temperatures, average sea level has risen by about 4.2 mm per year since 2012. Key findings of this year's report include: Devastating changes for the Arctic region: The Arctic, a region of growing strategic importance for climate security, economic resilience and geopolitical stability, shows some of the sharpest changes. The report highlights that sea ice extent shrank by about 490,000 km2 per decade between 1979 and 2025 -- an area almost as large as Spain. This loss is driving increased wind and waves, leaving around 60% of Arctic coastal infrastructure vulnerable to erosion and rising sea levels. Europe's regional seas face intense heat: The Mediterranean and Black Seas recorded record marine heatwaves, with temperatures more than 4.6 degrees above normal in 2024. Maritime communities have become more vulnerable: For small island developing states, 65% of their combined exclusive economic zones have experienced accelerated sea-level rise since 1999 due to ocean warming. Through its Copernicus programme and Ocean State Report, the EU provides reliable data to monitor ocean health and support measures to protect biodiversity, reduce pollution and strengthen resilience to climate change. The annual Copernicus report provides vital data on how changes in the ocean affect ecosystems, food security, economies, coastal communities and global climate regulation.