1. Input to the SAON Roadmap work based on work done in INTAROS where observing systems are assessed according to scientific themes Stein Sandven, NERSC Meeting 20 May 2019

2. The broad scope of Arctic observing
(1) The SAON Roadmap should acknowledge that Arctic observing (AO) is a complex system with several dimensions. Broadly speaking, AO is driven by the need to support:
Scientific disciplines: atmosphere, ocean, cryopshere, terrestrial themes
Societal benefit areas: weather, climate, environment, natural hazards, resources, economic activities, +
Community-driven requirements: across several scientific and social benefit areas
(2) Organisation of AO is complex: from local scale to global, from projects to large programmes. In many cases AO is part of a global or larger-scale system, which should be recognised in the SAON Roadmap
(3) What to observe: Essential variables are defined to help prioritize, based on
Requirements to AO based on objectives (scientific, social benefit areas)
Existing and evolving AO activities, and
Identify gaps in the AO data products
(4) Example: Ocean observing (next slides)

3. Ocean observing: how it evolves, who are the actors, etc.
Ocean observing is divided in sub-topics – each with specific requirements to observations: physical oceanography, marine meteorology, tides and sea level, marine biology and ecosystems, fisheries, support to ship traffic and marine operations, pollution monitoring, etc.
On large scale:
AO is linked to the global system (e.g. ARGO), with specific limitations in the Arctic
Overarching bodies: GOOS under WMO/IOC, with regional subgroups (e.g. EuroGOOS)
National marine institutions (research, academia, governmental agencies) are key players
European agencies and research infrastructures, based mainly on national contributions
On regional-local scale
Coastal states have responsibilities (EEZ, etc.)
Resource exploitation, food production, etc.
Environmental protection
Marine traffic, safety, forecsting services
Observations to serve local communities

4. Evolving strategies for ocean observing
The SAON Roadmap need to be aligned with the numerous strategies and implementation plans being developed for ocean observing, e.g.
Oceanobs’19 is a key event with several white papers in preparation, also addressing Arctic Observing
WMO workshop «Enhancing ocean observations and research, and the free exchange of data, to foster services for safety of life and property» in Geneva, Febuary
European Ocean Observing System, EOOS Implementation Plan ( released/)
ESFRI Roadmap 2018 ( where ACTRIS, EPOS, Euro- ARGO are included, all with Arctic components
Copernicus requirements for Arctic observations ( mission)