From September 2 to 4, 2025, the ‘Baltic Argo’ meeting took place at the IOW. Experts from six countries – mainly Baltic Sea coastal states – as well as international partners, who joined online, dicussed current developments and future strategies for the use of so-called Argo floats in the Baltic Sea. These autonomous measuring devices, which drift with the currents and continuously collect data from the water column, are an important tool to promote the understanding of marine processes in this unique semi-enclosed sea.

The aim of the meeting was to improve coordination between the various national Argo programmes and to identify new scientific issues. Among other things, the participants discussed when and to what extent biogeochemical sensors should be integrated into the Baltic Sea floats and how quality control methods can be adapted to the specific hydrographic conditions of this almost completely landlocked sea. In addition, participants presented new research findings on hypoxia, nutrient dynamics and light penetration into the water column – topics that are particularly important for assessing the ecological status of the Baltic Sea.

A particular focus was placed on the question of how the global strategies of the international ‘One Argo’ initiative can be specifically applied to the regional characteristics of the Baltic Sea. The meeting underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in marine research and demonstrated how harmonised measurement and data programmes can further strengthen knowledge transfer in the Baltic Sea region.