Kiribati and Samoa to receive new ocean monitoring buoys under EU-funded ClimSA Pacific

Kiribati and Samoa are set to receive 20 new SOFAR Smart Mooring buoys, with 10 destined for Kiribati and 10 for Samoa, to strengthen real-time ocean and climate information for communities and decision-makers across both countries. The deployment is funded through the European Union-funded Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA Pacific) programme, implemented by SPREP in partnership with Kiribati Meteorological Services and Samoa Meteorological Services.

Mr. Ueneta Toorua, Director for Kiribati Meteorological Services said “The deployment will provide a vital new stream of ocean data to help protect our people, livelihoods and infrastructure, an invaluable resource for a low-lying atoll nation like Kiribati.”

“Beyond the physical loss of land, coastal flooding weakens Kiribati’s economy through several interconnected channels that hit incomes, public finances and long-term development. These ocean monitoring buoys will support our national development planning in years to come,” explained Mr. Toorua.

Spotter buoys are compact, solar-powered platforms that measure waves, sea surface temperature, wind and atmospheric pressure, sending data in near real time via satellite. This information can be used to improve marine forecasts, early warnings of dangerous swell and marine heatwaves, and longer-term climate and ocean research.

For Kiribati and Samoa, which face growing risks from coastal flooding, extreme wave events and changing ocean conditions, the new buoys will help fill critical gaps in ocean observations. Data from the Spotter network will support safer maritime transport, fisheries operations, tourism planning and disaster risk reduction, and will feed into national climate services for communities on the front line of climate change.

An independent third-party pre-shipment inspection has confirmed that twenty SOFAR Smart Mooring systems bound for Samoa and Kiribati are ready for international shipment, marking a major milestone in strengthening ocean and climate services for the two Pacific Island countries. Conducted on 5 March 2026 in San Francisco, California by marine technology specialist Nick Buemond of Buemond Design & Engineering LLC, the inspection verified that all systems conform to their agreed specifications and are fully prepared for deployment.

“Better information on waves and sea temperatures will support more accurate marine forecasts and contribute to the safety of fishers, boat users and coastal communities. Improved and accurate forecasts will enable communities to plan ahead and prepare better,” said Mr. Sunny Seuseu, Coordinator for the Pacific Regional Climate Centre Network, who is overseeing the deployment and installation of the buoys.

Kiribati Meteorological Services and Samoa Meteorological Services will work closely with regional partners and local stakeholders to deploy the buoys in strategic locations and to integrate the data into national forecast and early warning systems. Training will accompany the deployment to ensure that technical staff, ocean and climate officers, and relevant agencies can access, interpret and apply the information for day-to-day decision-making.

The European Union, through ClimSA Pacific, is supporting Pacific Island countries to strengthen the entire climate services value chain, from observations and data to tailored information and decision-support tools. The new Spotter buoys in Kiribati and Samoa will form part of a growing Pacific ocean observing network that is turning climate science into practical services for Pacific people.

ENDS

About ClimSA Pacific:

The Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme in the Pacific is a transformative initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by SPREP in partnership with the ACP Secretariat. ClimSA Pacific aims to strengthen climate information services, enhance early warning systems, and empower decision-making across key sectors through tailored, actionable climate products. By supporting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and regional coordination, ClimSA Pacific is building a more resilient and climate-informed Pacific community.