Bay of Biscay Climate Change Observatory

The challenge

The Bay of Biscay is experiencing rapid warming, increased storm intensity, ocean acidification, and accelerated sea-level rise. To anticipate these impacts, a permanent system was needed to measure, analyse, and project physical, chemical, and biological changes in the marine and coastal environment.

The solution

AZTI led the creation of the Bay of Biscay Climate Change Observatory, integrating:

• Oceanographic networks (buoys, sensors, satellites, historical time series dating back to 1946).

• Video monitoring for coastal erosion and shoreline dynamics.

• Hydrographic and fisheries assessment surveys.

• Indicators of temperature, pH, oxygen, sea level, extreme events, and biodiversity.

The results

• Detection of an increase in sea temperature of 0.19–0.26 °C per decade.

• Recorded sea-level rise of 1.5–3.5 cm per decade.

• Identification of increased coastal flooding risk (+12% by 2050).

• Availability of critical information to support regional climate adaptation plans.