Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI)

Led by Professor Steve Groom and Shubha Sathyendranath, the project integrates observations from multiple satellite missions, including MERIS and OLCI, to overcome challenges in atmospheric correction and sensor differences, ensuring a stable, high-quality dataset aligned with Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) requirements.

Developed under the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative and extended through OC-CCI+, the project enhances and expands the ocean colour Essential Climate Variable, supporting improved understanding of long-term ocean–atmosphere interactions. The operational data system, now integrated into Copernicus Programme services, provides a mature and widely used resource for climate research. The work also links with the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group Task Force to strengthen international collaboration and community uptake.