The Southern Ocean and the Antarctic shelf seas have been undergoing massive changes for several years. Major international initiatives in the coming years will be key building blocks in closing this observational gap: Antarctica InSync (2027 to 2030), the 5th International Polar Year 2032/2033, and the implementation of the European Ocean Pact. They build on the existing efforts of networks such as SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) and SOOS (Southern Ocean Observing System). Read More at: Alfred Wegener InstituteMoments on-board Polarstern. Waves (Photo Credit: Alfred Wegener Institute / Mario Hoppmann)