REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE010344 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1171692 Re ort of the Trustees and Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 for Partnershi for Observatlon of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO tc ccounts . tax. legal . financlal planning 3 Atorn Buslne5s CeThtr¢ Nartharbour Road Coshlm PDrtsrnouth Himp5hlre Vnlted Kln¥doffl PC* 3TrE Partnorshl for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Contents of the Flnancial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Report of the Trustees 1 to 20 Report of the Independent Audltor8 21 to 22 Statement of Financial Activities 23 Statgmgnt of Financial Position 24 statement of Cash Flows 25 Notes to the Ststoment of Cash Flows 26 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 27 to 33 Detalled Statsmènt of Financial Activities 34 to 35 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean Clo TIA POGO ort of tho Trustsos For The Year Ended 31 Dltarch 2025 The trustees present their report with th8 financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted thè provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommanded Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Rèporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effeclive 1 January 2019). Page 1 Partnershi for Observatlon of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO rt of the Trustees ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and alms The charity aims lo bring together the worfd's major oceanographic institutes to plan joint actions to advance sustained ocean observations for societal benefit. POGO institutes are motivated by a common belief that advancing scientific understanding of the ocean is rooted in making 5y5tematic. high quality measurements. They believe that this underslanding and its wise use are critical to, and will make a real positive difference in, enabling humanity to develop a sustainable relationship with a healthy, productive and biologically diverse O￿an. POGO is further motivated by the shared belief that its vision can only be realised by working together across the worfd, where we can achieve togelher what none of us could do alone. The o￿an produces half of the world's oxygen, most of its fresh watèr and much of its food. It regulates climate and weather, is crÈtical to the cycling of heat, water and carbon. It is Ihe source of huge biodiversity. However, far too little is known aboLrt the statg and functioning ofthe ocean. Accordingly, scienlificalty sound study ofthe o￿an and support and advocacy for such study (and for the conclusions drawn from it) is ofvital importance to mankind. POGO seeks to expand intemational supportfor ocean observing, through innovation of the ocean observing 8yStern, Gapacity development and outreach18dvocaGy. In te￿n$ of innovalion, POGO members ar8 at the forefront of oceanographic methods and technology development, often In partnership with industry. Thus, POGO is in a critical posbtion to identify the emerging methods and technologies that POGO mernbers are developing and using, and highlighting those that can be expanded and deployed on a global scale to achieve global datasets obtained using comparable methoés. POGO also focusses on the affordability issues assoGi8ted with o¢ean obs8Ning. particularly for developing countries, and is therefore engaged in projects to develop low-wst sensors and systems for coastal O￿an obsejving. The societies and economies of many d8veloping countries rely heavily on the ocean, for example through coastal tourism, trade infrastructure, natural resource extraction, and small-scale and industrial fish8ri8s and aquaculture. However, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, tsunamis, harmful algal blooms and water pollution threaten the world's poorest and most vulnerable coastal and island communities. Ocean obseNalions and information services can be used to improve human health and safety and food security, support livelihoods and small-scale economic activities (artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, coa8t81 lourlsm), and Improve cllmate reslllence and dl3a51er risk reducllon. POGO also recognises that the expertise for conductlng ocean obseN8tlons Is not evenly distributed be￿een countries, and therefore th8 ocean is unevenly obsetved, with a much higher density ofobservations conductèd in Ihe North Atlantic and North Pacific, than in, for example, the South Atlantic, South Pacific and Indian Oceans. POGO therefore provides professional Iraining opportuni1188 for early-care8r sciéntists, mainly from coastal d8veloping countri8S, to expand the worldwide capacity for conducting sustained ocean obseryations, dats collection, analysi5 and management, and intèrpreting th8 Scientific results for the benefit of society. Msny actors, working together internationally, ar8 ne8ded to bring about sustainable management of the oceans that is informed by sound science, underpinned by a comprehensive global ocean measurement system. Thesé includa national governments, non-govemmenlal organisalions, the wider scientific community, funders of r8S8arch and monitoring programmes, and individual citizen5 working individually and collectively. POGO highlights the societal need for ocean observations, as well as the key issues facing global ocean obsejving, and the obstacles hampering the completion of a global ocean obseNing system, and brings these Issues lo the relevant stakeholder groups outlined above. The objects of the CIO Ére to advance the sciencè of global ocean observation for the public benefft, in partIC￿lar {but not exclusively) by: i. Advancing education in global ocean ObSe￿atIOn by identifying areas of further study for developing the science of global ocean observation., ii. The promotion of research in global ocean observation for the public benefit and the publlcatlon and dlsseminalion of the useful r8sults of such res8arch', iii. The provision of scholarships and research fellowships., iv. The promotion of innovation and technology in the science of global o￿an observation. In the short term. POGO aims lo provide training for early-career scientists, to develop the next generation of scientists and ocean obsetvers, as well as to rais& the lev8ls of awareness and education about the importance of the ocean and o￿an observing for society. Measures of success include numbers of trainegs, numbers of countries having received training. numbers of website visits and downloads of outrea¢h materials, mentions on social media and other statistics. The longer-terrn vision 15 to develop the capacity of research instilutions in developing countries to conduct o￿an observations, by (1) integrating the trained scientists and their institutions into th8 POGO network and having them actively participale in POGO projects, {2) sharing best practices among POGO member institutions, and (3) contributing to the development and dissemination of low-cost instrumentation for coastal oc8an observing. M8asur8s of success include numbers of POGO members and numbeis of new (developing) countries being added to the network, estsblishment of new oc88n obs8Ning systems in those countries, and demonstrated long-term impacts of Ihe training programmes (e.g. >5 years afl8r the training, on institutional capacrty and continued knowledge-transfer). Page 2 Partn8rshi for Observatlon of tho Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Rg ort of thg Trust988 ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 08JECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities The CIO has been working towards the ststed aims and charitable objects in the following ways.. Advanclng educatlon In global ocean observation by identifylng areas of further study for dovoloping the science of global ocean observation.. this has been achieved by supporting Working Groups on specific tepics rèlated to ocean observation, such as Ihe Biological Observations WG. which led a proposal to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development for an "Ocean Biornolecular Observing Ne￿Ork, IOBON). ii. The promotion of research in global ocean ob8ervatlon for the publlc benefit and the publication and di88emlnatlon of the usoful results of such research.. this has been 8chiev8d through POGO'S outreach and advocacy initiatives, through printed, on-line and social media, and participation in major UN Convention Meetings (COP29 Climate Conference and COP16 Biodiversity Conference). li. The provlslon of scholarships and research fellowshlps.. scholarships and fellowships have been provided to So early- career scientists for trainingleducation periods of belween 3 weeks and 10 monlhs during this financial year., iv. The promotion of innovation and technology In the gclence of global ocean observation.. this has been conducted mainly through two innovation projects focussing on developing low-cost instrumentation for ocean observing aimed at developing untries and citiz8n sci8nc8. More detalled Informatlon on these actlvllies can be found below, Ltnder the headin9 "Athlevement and Perfomance" Publlc benefit The trustees have complied with their duty, as set out in th8 Charities Act 2011. with regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The CIO has been working towards achlevlng Its charitable oblectlves, dellverlng benefit to the wider publ1¢ through 5ts work to sdvance sustained ocean obseNations. Grantmaking POGO allocates some of its funds Irecelved from charllable foundatlons andlor memb8rship dues) to help support ocean observation activities {e.g. through Working Groups) and to provide training for eady-career scientists (generally in developlng countries). POGO has a set of policies and procedures for allocating such grants, which are summarised below. POGO issues a call to ils members, gen6rally once per year, for proposals for Working Groups, workshops, travel grants, training InllialSves and other artivities that are directly relevant to POGO'5 core mission, i.e. sustained, long-term ocean observing systems and shared use of infrastructure, data and information. This includes a template for applicants lo complete and submit lo the POGO Secretariat. Proposals musl b8 submitted by members of POGO. although participants can b& from oth8r institutes if necessary. If a Working Group or other initiative wishes to be funded for a second year, a request for extension must be submitted, using the template provided, by the same deadline as the new proposals. A sub-commillee of POGO members (who do not have wnf]icts of inlerest) reviews the proposals, according to a number of criteria, e.g. relevance to POGO'S Strategy and priority areas.. timeliness of Pfoposal,. adequacy of proposed deliverables and mileslones., adequacy of WGlproject membership (including geographic and gender balance). For training initiatives, the expected impact ol tho training and proposed methods for evaluating success are also taken into account. The Committee then makes recommendations to the Board ofTrustees on the proposal{sl to take fo￿ard, depending on the available budget. The availability of other funding sources is nol s determining faclor in the selection process. POGO and the Nippon Foundation have set up the NF-POGO Alumni Nelwork for the Ocean (NANO) to maximise the benefits lo the alumni from the training r8ceived and facilitate active contacts among the alumni. Through POGO, the Nippon Foundation funds modest regional and global research projects and publio outreach projects. PropDsals are received in response to an open call, and funding is renewed for successive years based on performance. The projects are selected according lo the following crileria.. (1) Projects should have an observationallapplied focus (not blue skies" researth) (2) They should have a societsl benefit focus (3) They should add value to and build upon exisling programmeslprojects (4) Funding should be used mainly for coordination (but also consum8bles, field work. modest equipment). (5) Projects should be coordinated by NANO alumni but participants can b8 a mixture of alumni and ext8rnal scientists. They should be supportèd by senior mentors and endorsed by the participating institutes, senior management. (6) They should include a minimum of￿0 different countries, preferably more. Page 3 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of the Truste8S For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Grantmaklng {continued} POGO also offers scholarshipslf811owships to individuals, both through the Nippon Foundalion grant and using its own funds as well as a grant from the Scientific Committe8 on Oceanic R&search (SCOR)- These fellowships all operate following similar procedures, i.e. an annoUn￿ment and call for applications is made. which is open to anyone who fulfils the country and scientific backgroundlcareer stage r6quirements (e.g. Official Development Assistance recipient cJuntrie$, early-career scientists. but not just those affiliated with POGO member institutions). An irnpartial committ8e composed of one or two members of the POGO Secretsriat, representatives of any partner organisations andlor other experts from the sci8ntific communiiy (often involved in teachin9lsupervising students) is assembled to review the applications, based on a set of criteria such as quality of the applicant (educalionlexperiencelpotential), quality of the training proposal or motivation letter, quality of the host inslilute (if appliGable>, relevance to POGO and to the priority 8reas identified in the call for proposals, and potential for sustained capacity building in the host institutelcountry. The scores are then totalled, and a number of top-ranked applicants are selected 8ecording to the budget available, with consideration given to gender and geographical balan￿, as wèll as occasionally other factors such as whether thè candidate has received POGO funding previously. Page 4 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charltable actlviti88 POGO Communication Strategy: POGO has continued lo incre2Sè Its visibility through its w6b pr8s8nce. social m6dia and repr6s8ntalion at international meetings (both virtual and in-person}. Specifically, POGO was represenled by Secretariat staff, trustees or membèrs, at.. - 3rd UN Ocean Decade Confer8nce - Barcelona, Spain (Apr 2024) Portuguese O¢eanography Society's meeting - Peniche, Portugal (May 2024) POGO Appreciation day at NIOMR - on-line (Aug 20241 SCOR Annual Meeting- on-line (Oct 2024) Convention on Biological Diversity (C8D) COP16 - Cali, Colombia (Oct 2024) Cabo Verde Ocean Week- on-lin8 (Qct 2024) UNFCCC Climate ConferencE COP29 - Baku, Azerbaijan INov-Dec 2024) World Congress of Marine Stations - Shizuoka, Japan (Nov 2024) - CommOCEAN- Malaga, Spain (Nov 2024) @SeaNetwork Annual Meeting- on-line (Mar 2025) Various planning meetings and wèbinars for the UN Decad8 of Ocean Science for Suslainable D8velopment .virtual. POGO representatives also contributed to varlous plannlng and overslght commlttee$.' International Quiet Ocean Experiment (IQOE) Leadership Group and Science Committee Ocean Info Hub Steering Group Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBONI Scientific Advisory Committee and Executive Committee Executive Committe8 for the "Frontiers in o￿an Observing Oceanography Magazine Supplement - World Association of Marine Stations Steering Committ8e UN Ocean Decade Ifision 203Q Challeng8 2 Working Group (until Aug 2024) UN Decade of Ocèan Science for Sustainable Development Strategic Communications Group (until Jan 2025) All-Atlanlic Floating University Network {@SeaNetwork) Advisory Committe8 - Trevor Platt Fund (UK) Committee Trevor Platt Scienc8 Foundation (IN) Secretariat NF-POGO Centre of Excellence al OFI Executive Management Committee Ocean Biodiversity ObseNing and Capacity Dev8lopmenl curriculum WG Pr6sentallons were given on POGO at several of the above event3. PQGO information packs have also been sent to a number of prospective members. POGO had two papers published in a Special Issuè of In V 138 on 'A Vision for Capacity Sharing in the Ocean Sciences,. Two other papers published in th8 sam8 issue involved POGO trainings, activities and working groups. POGO'S CEO was a150 a named author on two UN Ocean Decade-related paper5 published in ICES Journal of Marine Science Vol 82 SSU8 1 Jan 20 The liming of thè interactive POGO Annual Report is being shifted, to align better wilh the trustees, annual report. the next version will cover the period April 2024 to March 2025. The POGO websile has continued to be developed and updated with more informalion on how our members contribute to GOOS, and new additions to the inleraclive timeline of POGO'5 history. POGO maintains an active social media presence on Twitter (@POGO Ocean). Fac8book (IPOGO.Ocean4, Instagram (Ipogo ocean) and Linkedln {Ipogo ocean). as well as a minor presence on YouTube. In addition, this year, POGO created a rofile on 'BlueSk a fairly new social media platform which is being embraced by the Scien￿ community. Social media continues to be an excellent means to share news and information with an interested and interactive audien￿. In addition, the secretarial runs or shares responsibilily for the following Social Media accounts on various platforms: Ocean Training Partnership, NANO Nelwork, and OBON. Object 1: Advancing educatlon In global ocean observation by identifying areas of further study for developing the science of global ocean observation: Progress has been achieved by providing grants for Working Groups (WGS), through the Ocean Biomolecular Obse￿Ing Network (OBON). endorsed by the UN Dècade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the POGO and SCOR-sponsored Intemational Quiet Ocean Experiment IIQOE), and Nippon Foundation-POGO Alumni Network forlhe Ocean (NANO) Global Projects. Page 5 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievemont and performance Charltable activities (Continued) Ocean 8iomolecular Observin Network: POGO is the lead organisation for OBON, a UN Ocean Decade programme endorsed in 2021. OBON'S Vision is lo aC￿lerate informed dec1si0n-ma￿ng to restore the health of our ocean using the universal signatures of life on Earth.. biomolecules. OBON'S core pillars are lo Innovate tethnology and methodologies, delivering frarneworks to advance biomolecular obseNations from the oastal to the open o￿an, thu8 enabling broad-scale interpretalions and scientific discovery,. to Develop resources, networks and strengthen capacity globally, to advanc8 obsetvalions and analys8s while ensuring equitable access., and to Enhance the use and interpretation of these observations through agreed data practices and model integration, and the creation of ocean knowledge. Together, this work Informs ocean users and managers, ensuring sustainable interactions in support of a healthy ocean. This year POGO has continued to support the development of OBON, throush Secretsriat support, as well as financial support for communications products and the annual meoting oftho OBON SGientifiG Advisory Committee (SAC) and OBON projects in Nov 2024 (mostly funded by a grant from Scripps Institlrtion of o￿an09raphy). The Scripps funding was also used to cover some staff costs, enabling OBON to have s part-time Programme Manager, seconded by Plymouih Marine Laboratory, from July 2024. Highlights: Further developmenl of the SAC, with new members appointgd via an op8n call for nominations,. th8 SAC has now reached its maximum capacity of 22 members, and new countries represented include Bangladesh, Canada, China, Colombia, France, and Mexico. Endors8ment of another 7 UN Decad8 Projects (se6 htt 8:Ilwww.oceandecade.o rvln - neI￿Ork-ob0n4 Webinar series lo introduce new projects Bnd provide updates on existing ones (Sept-oct 24) Project meeting held in hybrid mode in Plymouth, UK (Nov 241. Salellite event at the UN Ornan Decade Conference (Apr 241 in collaboration with the Marine Life 2030 programme Launch of OBON Strategy and new website,. regular schedule ofllo￿A￿eStablIShed, with issues in May. Aug. Nov and Feb. lactionsl cean-b.om ernational uiet Ocean Ex eriment OE POGO and SCOR have been co-sponsoring the International Quiet Ocean Experiment (IQOE) since 2011, with seed funding from the Sloan Foundation and subsequent support for aclivilies provided by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation. IQOE is an international scientific programme to promote research. observations, and modelling to improve understanding of ocean soundscapes and effects of sound on marin8 organisms. IQOE is nearing th8 8nd of its 10-year life span and the IQOE Science Committee ISCI has been fccussing this year on IQOE'S final outputs, and on planning the projed's legacy and possible follow-up activities. Hlghllghts: The IQOE SC meeting was held in hybTid mode on 20-22 Nov 2024 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Meeting participanls reviewed ongoing IQOE activities, evaluated the progress of IQOE, and planned for the projacl sunset and legacy. Major outcome of the meeting was a decision to develop a projecl to follow IQOE that will focus on implementation ofthe O￿an Sound Essential Ocean Variable (EOV). The EOV specification sheet and Implementstion Plan were developed by 8 POGO-IQOE Working Group and supported by POGO funding, respectively. Discussions have begun with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) of UNESCO'S Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to apply for Emerging Ne￿Ork status for a global ocean 80und observing system. The Working Group on Low-cost Hydrophonés for Research, Education and Ciliz8n Science, chaired by Lucille Chapuis (University of Bristol, UK), has received a grant from POGO to design and produce prototypes of the low-cost hydrophones (see later section). Global Library of Underwater Biological Sound5 {GLUBS).' The GLUBS mission is to develop and merge novel technologies with existing bioacoLJStics resources to make the exploralion of biological sounds mor8 accessible to researchers, managers, educators, and 8nthusiasls. GLUBS has 5 Working Groups.. {1) cybetinfrastructure, (2) artificial intelligence, (3) known sounds, (41 unknown sounds, and (5) public engagement. GLUBS has recenlly been endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. and submitted infomiation to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS>. The GLUBS-inspir8d R&search Focus in Frontiers in Remote Sensing has now accepted ten manuscripts. Open Portal to Underwater Soundscapes (OPUS, htt s.'Ilo us.a led by the Alfred Wegener Institute) now features 58 long- term acoustic datasets,. further passive acoustic datasets are currently being prepared for display through collaborations with the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and Zurich University of Arts. Page 6 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities {Continued) WG on Buildin cit in Ocean AcidificaTion MoniTorin in the Gulf of GuineA BIOTTA Grant (10K EURI awarded to the University of Ghana to lead the WG and support capacity building workshop. funding has leveraged 100K USD from the Ocean Foundation lo purchase equipment to set up the monitoring stations. The BIOTTA working group was set up to equip graduate students, early career ocean scientists and other marine science prof8ssionals in the GOG region with skills on sustainable OA data acquisition lo expand our underslanding of the threals, risks and impacts to marine ecDSyStems and chart pathways for sustainable managetnent of marine r6sources at risk to acean acidification (OA) in the GOG region. This working group hopes to also bridge national, regional and intemational dats gaps in ocean acidification. BiorrA aims to complement global efforts such as the Global Ocean Acldiflcatlon ObseNlng Ne￿Ork {GOA-ONI and Ihe Intemational Ocean Carbon Coordination Project {IOCCP) by convening a series of virtual regional workshops and webinars to train young and professional scientists in setting up and maintaining OA obse)vation systems in the GOG and other African coastal waters. The BIOTTA worklng group objectives are lo.. Oevelop a coordinated nelmork for observing OA In the GOG Develop capabilities to undertake analysis of s8awal8r OA parameters using low-cost, readily available and easy-to-use equipment. Map OA holspols in BIOTTA member countries for long-term OA monitoring. Initiate OA monitoring activities in BIOTTA rnember countries after successful mapping of hotspot3 in these countries, making use of OA observation kits developed by GOA-ON and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Integrate inlo global OA ob$eNing networks, such as GOA-ON, wlth the goal to share and make data avallable to Ihe global ocean observing community. Hlghlights: 1QOK USD obtalned from The Ocean Foundation (TOF) to purchase equipment to set lip the monitoring stations. Orders for eq¢Jipment and consumables have been placed, and one kit has been sent to the University of Ghana. The Ocean Foundation has continued to fund a Coordinator al the University of Ghsna to support BIOTTA. The BIOTTA Pl has been appointed Co-chair ofthe new GOA-ON Sub-Hub for W8sI Africa, with a colleague in Liberia. The University of Ghana, in partnership with POGO and The Ocean Foundation ffOF), delivered the BIOTTA GOA-ON in Box Training Workshop from July 15th 10 19th, 2024, The workshop broughl together various experts and trainees including scientists and students from Ghana, Cole d'lvoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, and the USA, demonstrating a strong regional commitment to addressing this pressing environmental issue. The training workshop provided the West Afrlcan attendees with a belter understanding of ocean acidification, through a compr8h8nsive curriculum cov8ring both theoretical and practical aspects of ocean acidification. On of Ihe training workshop participants (from Cameroonl participated as an instructor in the OceanX-OceanQuest-POGO Around Africa shipboard training expedilion. supporting trainees to collect and analyse samples on a voyage from Namibia to Cabo Verde. WGonCa aci buildin for biochernical observation of anthro enic ollution in tro ical transitional waters BEACON Grant (10K EUR) awarded to the University of Ghana to lead the WG, 3UPPOrt a capacity building workshop and procure field equipment. There is a need to build capacity lo monitor human activities (e.g., pollulion) on banthic communiti8s and chemical tracers within the biota and sediment in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The capacity building will increase access lo state-of-the-art sampling rnethodologies, laboratory pro￿$Se5, and inslrumenlalions useful for expanding the knowledge of benthic biodiversily and chemical tracers in biota coupled with the sediment in West Africa. a field poorly documented. Mercury is a toxic element occurring in low concentrations. but its by-producl, methylmercury, is highly toxic, and can accumulale in the sediment and biota (e.g., bivalves and fish). Page 7 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO rt of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 202S STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities (Continued) Benthic organisms ar8 good bioindicators for investigating anlhropogenic environmentsl dislurbances such as pollution, as species composition can reflect the ecological conditions Df an aquatic environment. Transitional waters (e.g., estuaries) are omplex systems that are regional in scale. There is limited information on transibon81 tropic81 waters and their biota in the regional inventory of benlhic fauna from West Africa. 5ncreasing human population coupled with growing demand for a resour and generation of wastes put coastal lagoons and estuaries at risk of collapse. Continuous monitoring of these systems is necessary for understanding changes in their ecosystem structure and functioning. Yet, there is inadequate infomiation on well- documented biological data and biota as chemical tracers of Contsminants from the tropical West African coast. Information on species occurrence, habit8t, and spatio-temporal distribution will allow local and regional distribution of indicAtor species to understand pollution and environmental change. 11 Is important to build the capacity of int8rdisciplinary scientists to help monitor and measure human Impacts on transStional and coastal waters. The BEACON working group aims to Contribute spatial knowledge on benthos and Hg contamination in biota and sediment from coastal waters in the Gutf of Guinea. The preliminary findings can support decision-making, policy development for biodiversity consèNation. future coastal benthic research, and understanding of pollution in tropical transitional coastal waters. Highlight8: The BEACON working group establish8d cooperation among interdisciplinary scienlisls in the Sub-saharan Africa region {Ghana, Cote d'lvoire, Nigeria, Togo and Benin) and working with international partnérs {UK, Germany and USA) through the creation of the BlochemiGal Observation Network (BON). The WG engaged in a seTies of seminars and meetings online for scientific knowledg8 exchanges and discussions among members on methods for adoption for biological sampling {e.g. benlhos and plankton) and dead remains of biological organisms Imicrofossils) analysis, chemical pollutants and m8rcury analysis via Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA). The WG fostered working together by interdisciplinary scientists to sample soft substrate using bottom sampling gears (e.g., Eckman grab), plankton net for sampling plankton, Mulli-Paramet8r Probe to measure physical and chemical propertie6 of transitional water such as Volta Estuary, Ghana and u88 of Mercury Analyzer to measure chemical pollutanl such as Mercury (Hg) in sediment at the Unlversity of Ghana. The WG participated in field and laboratory wort for benthos, plankton, microf05siI and m8rcury analysis at the University of Ghana. Coastal Observin Lab in a Box COLaB Grant (10K EUR) awarded to the Unlversity of Ghana to host a training camp Many counlries worldwide face a signlficant hurdle In obtalning the necessary resources and knowledge to effectively monitor the coastal ocean. There is a common misconception th8t high end, 6xpensive equipment is needed to monitor and study the coastal oceans. COLaB breaks this belief by using cost 8ffective oceanographic instruments and methods backed by o￿aTr best practlC8S to collect a wide range of precise and accurate data. COL•B's modularity allows the user to tailor the paGkage lo fulfil their needs and to as51s1 answering their questions. Instruments will Gonsist of essential hydrographic instruments (current metei, CTD) as well as equipment for collecting water samples and anatysing crucial biogeoGhemical parameters (such as nutrients, chlorophyll. alkalinity, dissolved oxygen). It will also include planklon nets and other tools for conducting biological obseNaticns. In addition COLaB offers data handling and access solutions and downstream applications in the form of regional coastal modelling. Using various combinations of these package5, these observations have played a crucial role in moniloTing eutrophicalion and hamiful algal blooms, supporting fisheries management, establishing marine protected areas, and providing valuable validation and verification for models and retnote sensing data, Whenever feasible, these packages will incorporate Open-soUr￿ or homemad8 sampling gear and instruments, both in the field and for analysis purposes. COLaB comes with training suitable for the needs of the user. Hlghllghts: The grant from POGO supplernenled funds obtained through an Experiment.com crowd funding bid and enablèd a first COLaB "proof-of-concept. field exercise in Ghana in July 2024. Scientists from the COLaB team, from th8 UK and South Africa. joined a team from the University of Ghana in a study ofthe Pra River-estuary system. The Pra River, and othèr Ghanaian rivers, have been heavily affected in recent years by illegal gold mining being carried out upstream, which has resulted in massive sediment loads and mercury contamination that are heavily impacting dawnstream ecosystems and Ihe welfare and health of fishing communities. The objectives of the field exercise were to use a subsel of COLaB instruments and methods to demonstrate and provide training in the assessment Df river discharge arbd circulation (within the river and offshore), as w811 as sediment transport and physical and biog80chemical processe6 occurring across the estuarine salinity gradient. Page 8 Partn8rshl for Obseniatlon of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achlevement and performanco Charitable activities {Continuedl Over 8 days, river discharge was determined by conducting a flow and bathymetry river transect using simple hand-held flow meters and depth finders. Current measurernents were made with drifters and acoustic current meters (fixed-depth and profiling) and waler structure and mixing were assessed through CTD profiling across the estuarine salinity gradi8nt. S8veral chemical analyses (nutriènts. pigments. and dissolved organic matter) werè conducted on water samples collected across the same gradient. Finally. suspended sediment samples were collected to detemine mercury concentrations. Notsbty, the field and lab work also allowed the WG lo test newly developed affordable instruments (CTD. colorimeter, and fluorimeter) against commercial counterparts. Most analyses have been completed, and the WG 16 now in the proces8 of working up the CTD, discharge, and current data. These, alongside sedim8nt load and m6rcury r8sults, will bé modelled to provide a first assessment of the fale of sediment and mercury discharged from the Pra. This should be completed by July 2025. An EOV and Im act-Based Bounda Currents Ocean Obs8Nin Grant (1 OK EUR) awarded lo Soulh African Environmental Observation Nelwork (SAEON) to 8UPPOrt a wotkshop and publication of WOTkshop report The Ocean plays a unique role in the complex system of the ocean, influencing the weather, climate, ocean circulation, global carbon cycle, and extreme weather patterns. Pressing societsl needs for infomiation 8nd servic8s require a ré-assessment of the current system and a co-designed plan to malure the observing system to meet user needs. Boundary currents directly inlluence the understanding of regional weather systems, significantly impact marine heatwaves and Iropical wclones and impact the local f18heries and aquaculture. The purpose of this worf(shop was to create an oveNiew of observations and modelling efforts already ongoing within the Agulh8S Current, develop priority gap areas and thus observational requirements and a resulting start to the development of a backbone design of an O￿an observing system to better understand key fealures in the Agulhas Cuffent region. The workshop also aimed lo determine potentlal overlaps and opportunities for other key features to be considered In the design for monitoring and assessment purposes including (but not limited to) tropical cyclones, fisheries and maiine heatwaves, all of which impact or are imp8cled by the Agulhas Current under a changing climate. Hlghllghts: Stakeholder mapplng.. The worf(shop allowed for a number of key partlcipanls to dlscuss challeng8s In understanding the Agulhas Current and adjacent regions in terms of their knowledge base (researchers and modellers) and industry (fisheries, search and rescue}. Outputs from the workshop will assist in developing continued stakeholder engagemen15 through 2025. Execution ofthe workshop.. The workshop was successfully held from 9-12 September 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, attended by 72 participants, including 20 Early Career Ocean Professionals and 10 online participants. The funds from POGO were criliGal in enabling the Boundary Currents Exemplar team oflhe Ocean Observing Co-Design Programme and Allantos to bring together various stakeholders to inform the development of a requirem8nts report, co-designed lacross the stakeholder communityl targeted priorities and gaps. This workshop was the first of ils kind and th8 cross-collaboration across observations. modelling and forecasting centres resulted in fruitful conversation and clarity on needs. Some end users were able lo attend, including the fishing communily and local search and roscue operalional team&. which were able to raise critical needs of the community that are now being consldered In the draft design. CEODOS Chile.. A consortium for suN8 the coastal oc8an in the easter South Pacific Grant (10K EUR) awarded to COPAS, University of Concepcion, Chile. to lead the WG and host 2 workshops The CEODOS program {co-coordinated by the COPAS Cenlre) is a new Chilean initiative that will follow the present and future status of the biological pump along the entire cosst of Chile every 5 years. The first expedition, in the frame ofTARA MICR0810ME la 2-yèar campaign covering Soulh America and Africa) was held in 2021. Genomics and biogeochèmical samples will be analysed and results integrated into Al algorithms in order to get a better understanding and prediction capacity of the future of carbon sequestration in the eastern south Pacific. Page 9 Partngrshi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of the Trustees ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achlevemont and performance Charitable activities (Continued) Hlghllghts: Firsl workshop al Universidad de Concepci6n'. This meeting was held at the COPAS center and was in hybrid mode. Th8 CEODOS Consortium mel in order to eslablish a plan for future actions and sample analysis. A common declaration was signed and published after the workshop. Second Workshop in Universidad de Concepci6n (be￿een Udec and Scripps Oceanographic Institutionl- The workshop assessed the future observation progr2mmes in thè easlern south Pacific ocean, lo coordinate further actions for integrated experimental observation as well as programs for human capital training. Cwises for carbon fixation monitoring.. Based on the engagement of the Chilean community to map and observe the Chllean oastal ocean in its entirety every 5 year5. Metadata opening task force meeting8: This smaller group has been meeting weekly for the last 4 months to work on the genomic and oc8anographic data of the TARA MICROBIOME expeditlon. Thls data will be open upon the publication of a paper Gurrently under preparation. Summer schools., Austral Summer Institute ASI at Univetsidad de Concepcion in January 2024; GOOD OARS CLAP COPAS Summer School at Universidad Catolica del Norte Coquimbo in November 2023. rln Hea aves Interdisci lina Research rou CMHIR Grant {10K EUR) awarded to the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) to organlse a workshop at the University of Concepcion, Chile and produce a peer-reviewed publication Marin8 hea￿aV@S {MHWs) have become an urgent i88ue regarding climat8 risks due to their proliferation in frequency. durat50n, magnitude, and spatial extent. These phenomena have a strong impact at the global, regional, but also local levels. MHWS have become an increasingly serious threat not jusl from the perspective of pelagic and benthic ecology on the continental shelf but also for coastal aquaculture and fisherles, as demonstraled by many reports of fisheries closures from around the world caused by MHWS, Estuaries, in particular, represent environmenls with high produ¢tlvlly and blodiverslty that sustain important economic activities like aquaculture and fisheries. While our understanding about th8 causes, impacts, duration and ext8n8ion of MHWS has increased signific8ntty during the last 10 years, this information has mainly come from large scale studies of the global or regional oceans. This large-scale perspective 18 infomied by climate rnodels and rernote sensing as the main data sources, which are unable lo spatially resolve smaller coastal systems such as estuaries and bays, To gain insight into the coastal response to MHWS, this group proposes a different approach, combining in-situ obseN8tions, ￿mote sensing and high-rasolulion modelling in the coastal zone. The geographic intercomparison will contribut8 to a b8tter understanding about the impact of MHWS on the global coastal areas and the potential implications under climate change scenarios. The WG alms to develop an active collaboration and coordination to highlight the irnportance and n8C8ssity of studying the implications and consequences of MHWS in coastal areas. So far. the impad of MHWS in coastal areas has been evaluated in few recent papers- however. our WG is mullidisciplinary, including coastal ecologists, coastal modellers and climate scientists. Hence, th8 distinctive feature of this group is its special focus on the shallow continental shelf, its interdisciplinarity, and its interesting geographic diversity (Canada, North America's east and west Coasts, South America's west coast. Australi8'S SOUth8ast coast, Mediterranean Sea, Antarctica's glacial embayment's). Hlghllght8: The Coastal Marine Heatwave Interdisciplinary Research group (CMHIR, httP8'.Ilcoastalmhw.0rg4 successfully organized the Workshop: Marine heatwaves dynamics and impscts on eo8Stal and estuarine ecosystems at the University of Concepcion (Chile), from 9-11 April 2024. This activity gathered 42 att8ndees in person and 76 on-line, from 14 countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia. Cuba, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, South Africa, Spain, and UK) The workshop generated an active discussion on the impact of marine heatmaves on ecosystems. communities, and organisms. sharing with academics, sludenls, and the community the different aspects of marine healwaves, covering topics like global 8nd regional events, drivers. and local impacts. Experts presented sludies focused on the consequences of these marin8 extreme events on seaweeds Ikelps), phytoplankton, Zooplankton. and b8nthic organisms. The event included an intèrnal POGO WG meeting. The WG organised a webinar on the impacts of MHW on aquaculture122 Aug 20241, in collaboration with the Chilean Salmon Famiers, Association (Salmon Chile). The WG has been working on a joint manuscript, which they plan lo publish in 2025. The WG leader attended the POGO Annual Meeting in Penang, Malaysia, where he gave a presentation on the WG activities, as part of a s8ssion on MHW. Page 10 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of tho Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charltable activiti8s (Continuad) NANO Global Proect A lobal stud of roductivit deo enation and ocean acidification al selected coastal sites NANO-DOAP . Research grants awarded lo 22 participating institutions in the following countries.. Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia. Kenya. Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, Thailand, Togo and Tunisia. Additionally, the project has 9 other stations located in Ecuador, Pakistan and PerLS that participate withoLrt r8ceiving support for field work. The NANO global project has three major components.. Promote in situ and remotely sensed observations of the ocean at selected Goastal sites in order lo contribute to th8 global efftjrt of monitoring the levels of ocean acidifiGation and deoxygenation., Provide opportunities to the project participants for.. i) capacity building to strengthen their efforts to monltor levels of aGldIfl￿tl0n and oxygenalion,. ii) join larger observation networks of ccean acidification and deoxygenation. Organize workshops and webinars dedicatad to share 8xperiences in i) monitoring levels of productivity, acidification and oxygenation,. ii) training on marine data management., iii) Gompare results from fieldwork and Produ￿ a biogeographic distribution of the slalions. Field work was conducted in 2024-25 in all countries, for a set of 5 EOVS (temperature, chlorophyll-a, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen) and additional variables (e.g. pigments, bio-optical variables, conductivity, nulrienls, total alkalinity, phytoplankton) varying from station to station. The budget was allocated depending on the local sampling Costs, so as to enable each country to sample on a monthly lo bimonthly basis {up to a maximum of 3K EUR per station). In addition. several partiGipan15 GonduGI outreach activities in their location, reathing lo differenl audiences, frotn school children lo general public (see later section). NANO Pro ecl Fis The Gollabor8tiv8 projèct Fishing Vess81 Sensor Nefv40rk, launched in Ghana in 2023 in partnership with the Ocean Data Ne￿Ork (ODN), enabled the installation of temperature sensors on fishing nets used by artisanal boats and semi-induslrial trawlèrs. This provided near real-tlme temperature profiles from active fishing operations, Building on the SUCLess of the Ghana pilot, two new deployment sites were established. In September 2024, the ODN team installed a sensor device on a fishing v8ssel in Tanzania, in collaboration with Ms Hellen Kizenga (NANO membèr and researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar 8S Salaam), ZAFI Rl, and WIOMSA. Two additional devices were also provided for installation by the local team. Plans are also underway for deployments in Bangladesh, where arrangements have been made to install sensors on local fishing vessels. Thi3 extension is made possible through collaboration with Dr Subrala Sarker (Goordinator of NANO-DOAP and SAGIThA) and the Oceanography Department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). Object 2: The promotlon of research In global ocean observatlon for the publlc benefit and the publl¢ation and dissemination of the useful results of 8u¢h research: POGO outreach and advoca Public outreach is normally conducted through participation in international exhibitions. During this year, POGO participated in various evenls both in-person and virtually (see section on Communication Slrategyl. All of POGO'S brochures, leafl8ts and other written products are available as digital version8 online. POGO has now moved away from printed (paper) materials, with the exception of small quantities of postcards lo dislribule, otherwise favouring th8 display of laminated'hard Gopies. of leaflets on our booths, and of QR codes on our promotional banners to give mobile device users quick and easy aG¢ess lo digital copies. We are also limiting the production and handing out of branded USB Flash Drives. In 2023, POGO established an Advocacy WG, composed of 8 POGO member institution representatives from around Ihe world. The WG has continued to meet on-line and drafted or contributed to st8lements for two major international evénts.. the COP29 Climate Conference and the COP16 Biodiversity Conferen￿. Bolh statements were circulated to the POGO membership tor signature and shared with other organi5alions for their endorsement. In addition, POGO produced an Open Letter on Ocean Drilling, advocating for the importance of scientific ocean drilling for ocean- and in particular climate- research and education. South East Asia ro ect for General Re ional Awareness of Sea rass b Socie SEAGRASS Grant awarded to the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) of Univ6rsiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lo cover field trip expenses, production of videos and pamphlets, and ￿penSeS for international speakers. Page11 Partnershl for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of the Trustees ForThg Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and perfomiance Charltable activities (Contlnued) The Straits of Malacca is the second busiest ocean maritime trade route in th8 world with a passage of over a thousand ships a day traN81ting its waterways. Naturally, this brings with it a lot of environm8ntal pr8ssure and risks to existing natural habitats. However, there are still very special pockets of marine habilals thai possess high diversities of marine life such as shallow seas, intertidal mudflats, uninhabiled islands and seagrass beds. The Middle Bank (northern Straits of Malacca) - an area of rich s8agrass community was chosen to study its changing evolution in an evolving dimalic and anthropogenic influencè, The Middle Bank seagrass m8adow serves as nursery ground for many commercially important fish and mollusc species, supporting small-scale fisheries using artisanal fishing gears by local coastal communiti8s. CEMACS has been working closely with Penang State Government to gazette this area as ecologically important, serving as a carbon sink (complemènting adjacent mangrove area) to mitigate climate change and offset the state's carbon emission. The proximlty of the Middle Bank to a World Heritage Site Gan help drive awareness and education on the value of th8S8 marine habitats to the general public. The objective is to encourage the local govemment and agencies to sel up a marine protected area for research, monitoring and education. Highlights: CEMACS conducted the Marine Field Course.. Biodiversity & ConseNation for a group of college students from Kolej Yayasan UEM, Selangor (23- 26 Feb 20241. 35 sludents were introduced to ecological techniques, microscopy skills, aquaculture basics and introduced to the 8eagrass ecosystem. The group was exposed to the seagrass ecosystern and learnt how transect lin8s are Used along with quadrats to measure and monitor the life forms in this habitat. Students learnt about the various species inhabiting th8 seagrass bed, the intricate web of ecological relationships. and the critical role seagrasses play in maintainlng a healthy marine environment. This experiential leaming opportunity broadened students. und8rstanding of marine ecosystems and fostered an appreciation for the need to preseNe and prolect these habitats. Moreov8r, the visit provided a chance for studenls lo actively participate in local conservation efforts, contributing to the sustainable management of Pulau Gazumbo's marine resources, A book, "Tides of Change: Th8 Middle Bank Marine Sancluary and the Quest for a Reslllenl Penang" was published, underscoring the collaborative efforts of scientific, governmental, and community Stakeholders in the envSronmental resloration and pToteclion of the Middl8 Bank. The book aims to Inform, inspire, and e811 for action to preserve Penang's treasured natural sanctuary. A stakeholder engagement workshop was held In two phases.. the fSrsl wlth fishermen and operalor5, and the second with government agencies and other stakeholders. The workshop addressed activities allowed and prohibited within Ihe sanctuary, adhering to IUCN guidelines for protectèd area managemant C8legories, ensuring comprehensive understanding and agreement on the sanctuary's Management. Additionally, a field visit to th8 Middle Bank was organized for Ex8CUtive Council {EXCO) for Environment for Penang State, YB Sundarajoo and the state government team to familiarize them with the upcoming eslablishment of the marine sanctuary. This visit, which included the northern shore of the Middle Bank, Pulau Gazumbo Kecil, and Pulau Gazumbo Besar, fostered a positive response towards the sanctuary's establishment, reinforcing the commitment to environmental conseNalion. A beach cleanup activity is planned 81 the Middle Bank area, aiming to engage the communily and stakeholders in preserving the sanctuary's natural beauty and ecological health. Complementing these efforts, a brochure detsiling the Middle Bank seagrass and ils associaled biodiversity is in its final draft, serving as an educational resourGe to raise awareness and promote the importance of seagrass ecosystems and theSr conservation. ollaboralions wilh other o anisalions UN Ocean Decade.. o As a Decade Implementing Partner (DIP), POGO has participated in on-line meetings between DIPS focussed on ocean observation o As the lead organisation for OBON, POGO partnered with Marine Life 2030, th8 M8rine Biodiversity Observation Ne￿ork {MBON), and POGO members INVEMAR, MBARI, and PML, to host an exhibition stand at COP16 in Colombia o POGO also organised a side-event at COP16, with the same partners, as well as the Global Ooan Obse￿ing System (GOOS), Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), and Fugro o ECOP Programme.. POGO has initiated a collaboration with the UN Decade Eady Career Ocean Professionals Programme; in addition to webinars agreed, opportunities provided by POGO are now also shared by the ECOP network. POGO has stsrted collaborating with a UAE-based social en18rprise, Goumbook, to imp18ment the COLLECT protocols (from our previously-funded beach litter monitoring GilÈzen science projed) in the UAE. Goumbook have translated the materials into Arabic, adding to th9 multilingual rnlledion of reSou￿S in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Page 12 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of the Trts8tees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charftable activities (Continued) POGO has received funds from, and worked with, new philanthropic foundations OGeanQuest (Shipboard training), Oceanx (shipboard training and OBON), and the Minderoo Foundation (OBON). The missions oflhese foundations are very much aligned with POGO'S objective to educate and infomi the general public about the importance ofthe o￿an and of ocean sciénc8, and to ensu￿ that the results of scientific research are used for public benefit and wise deosion-making. Object 3: The provision of scholarships and research fellowships: Scholarships and fellowships have been provided to 50 oarly-Gareer scienti3t3 for trainingleducation periods of between 3 weeks and 10 months durlng this financial year. These ¢on8isled of: Scholarshlp9 for 10 scholarn from 10 countrlos to attond tho Nippon Foundatlon-POGO Centre of Excellence in Observatlonal Oceanography hosted by the O￿an Frontier Institute in Canada, in partnership with Dalhousi8 Univ8rsity, Memorial University, and the Hakai Institute. The first year of Phase IV in Canada started in Oct 2024 and will run until July 2025. Phase IV continues to train ten oceanographers for periods of 10 months each year. The programme on ocean observation includes an orientation, oceanography courses, field training. data management, modelling and Goding, English efriciency experiènce, Canadian Indigenous 8xperiences, ocean governan￿. and science communication. Scholars pursue an independent learning project related to a topic of priority interest. Scholars are based at the Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University (Marine Institute) in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia (NS), with an excursion to the Hakai Institute in British Columbia (8C). The three institutions hav8 complementary strengths that each provides students with distinct hands-on opportunities to leam. The partners have developed a concept for an excellent student experience, Gapacity development and international neMorking. This yea¢s scholars were from Bangladesh. Brazil, Egypl, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, and S8n8gal 5 Vlsltlng Fellowships awarded to early-career scientist9 from developing countries to 8pend up to 3 months at another research Instltute receiving individual training and supervision on a reséarch topic of their choice. All 5 fellows selecled in 2024 were able to complete or initiate their fellowships during this financial year. The fellows were from Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Nigeria, and visited research institutes In France, Ghana, Italy. Talwan, and USA. 35 Shipboard Training fellowship8 on-board research 8hlp8 to r8ceiv8 hands-on training in sampling snd analysis techniques, and in some cases a short stay at the host research institute prior lo the cruise. These were conducted as part of the Nippon Foundation-POGO programme (19}, and also as part of a new collaboration with Oceanx (USA) and OceanQuest (Saudi Arabia) foundations (16). Fellows were from Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Mozambique. South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uruguay. The host institutes were in Brazil, France. South Africa, UK. and USA. This included 3 training cruises (one in an estuary in Brazil, one off the coast of South Africa, and one between Walvis Bay. Namibia, and Mindelo, Cabo Verde), while th8 rest consisted of placing fellows on-board research cruises for one-Io•one training and supervision. The feedback on these programme8 was overwhelmingly positive, not only from the scholars and fellows, bul also from the host supeNisors and parent supeNisors, who commented on the networking and collaboralions as well as the cultural exchanges facilitated by Ihe programmes, and the enhanced skills and knowledge the fèllows bring back to their home institutes and pass on to their peers. This year, grants were awarded to 2 member institutions lo support the following training programmes- Trainin course on "Hands-on MinlON'. Ge eratin referen barcodes f We81 marine fish Granl (7,600 EURI awarded to Institut de Recherche pour le D8v8loppement {IRD) The rate of species extinction is currently 100 times higher than the background rate through geological history. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows elficient biodiversity screening of marine ecosystems, but monitoring relie8 on regional DNA barcode reference databases, which are sparse in tropical countries. Furthermore, DNA sequèncing facilitiès are far less available there than in developed countries, which calls for altèrnative solutions. On the other hand. the sequencing error ra18 and costs of small benthlop DNA sequen￿rS have constantly decreased over the last years, now allowing direct on-site data acquisition. A hands-on training module for third g8neration sequencing was held al th@ summer school of the Wesl African Marine Fish DNA Barcoding Network IWAMBA.n8t). This training was jointly organized by the Inslitut de Recherche pour le Développemenl (IRD), Fran￿, the MOMBASA project ofthe Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMTI. Gemiany and the Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Cate d'lvoire, where it was hosted in September 2024. Page 13 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of tho Truste8s For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achiovement and perfomiance Charitable activities (Continued} Marine fish8s are an excellent focus point for marine rnolecular biodiversity assessment as standardized methods for reference documentalion are availab18 and fisheri6s have a huge importance for human nutrition. This is particularfy true in Wesl Africa, where small-scalè artisanal fisheries contribute signrficantly to livelihoods. and poverty reduction. The objective of the training was to deliver practical lab and bioinformatics skills on a small and inexpensive DNA sequencing device, the MinlON flongle from Oxford Nanopore Tethnologies, to generate reference DNA barcodes. The delivered knowledge will empower researchers and mulliplicators from various Wesl African counlries to monilor their marine biodiversity on their own, without the need for inl8malional cooperation. Although this training was focused on the generation of a reference DNA barcode datsbase, the same protocol can be used to then monitor biodiversity wilh eDNA. Participants participated in parallel aclivrties involving wel lab work and theory. Each participant was involvèd in DNA extraction, MinlON budget calculations for proposal writing, indexed primer and demultiplexing worktlows, as well as a sÈri&s of introductory discussions in English and French. The sequencing from related lab activities produced nearly 171 COI barcodes from marine fish. After the successful conclusion of the training, participants underscored the pracliGal value of hands-on sequencing Iraining and the WAMBA-Net. Some participan18 expressed their wish for more in-depth bioinformatics Iraining which the organizers currently plan to pick-up in a webinar. Overall highlights were activities such as library preparation, hands on experience loading a flow cell. and live sequencing, bLrt also the room provided for social activities and ne￿orking. rainin cour58 on "Slatis ical Anal si f Oceano ra hic Data Grant (1 OK EUR) awarded to Shahlalal Unlverslty of Sclence and Technology (SUST), Bangladesh The Department of Oceanography at Shahjal21 University of Sciénce and Technology (SUST) organised this intemalional training program in-collaboration with Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR)., Marine Research, Center for Policy Research al Universili Sains Malaysia., and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The training program was conducted over 10 days, with five days of online sessions16 to 20 Dec 2024), followed by five days of in- person sessions (5-9 Jan 2025) at SUST. A total of 21 participanls111 females and 10 males) attended, from Bangladesh {16), India (21, Malaysia11). Sri Lanka (1), and Indonesia (1). The training aimed to enhan￿ participants, data analysis skills using tools like Ocean Data Wiew (ODV), R, and QGIS, as well as provide participants with guidelines for sGienlific writing. The Course aimed lo provide basic concepts of fundamental ststistics and advanced oceanographic data analysis using R, along with oceanographic dats visualization with ODV and Other GIS So￿are. The onllne sessions consisted of bolh lectures and hands-on sessions. There were four lectures on oceanographiG data and six hands-on sessions on O￿an0graphiC data analygis. The online sessions began with a ledure on Essential O￿an Variables.. Insights for Oceanography, f¢xusing on the importance of Essential Ocean Variables (EoVs> in understanding ocean processes, supporting tsrgel8d r8S8arch, and driving advancements in oceanography. The second lecture focused on the Importanc8 of Data Sharing and Management in Marine Policy, discussing the importance of data sharing, sharing plafforms, and the application of different techniques in oceanographic data management. The third lecture, on Data Govemance and its Role in Marine Policy, highlighted th8 need for cornprehensive data to develop effective policies, the role of dats govemance in ensuring data usability and security, and the development and implementation of policies related lo data management for Marine Spatial Planning {MSP). The fourth lecture focused on Open Sourc8 Oceanographic Data, which highligh18d the collection and application of oceanographic data from different open-access sources. The in-person sessions of the training included 10 sessions. Two sessions focused on data visualization with ODV, five sessions on oceanographic data analysis using R, two sessions on scientific writing, and one session for group presentstions by participants. From the feedback suNeys conducted, it was apparent that key useful elements of the training included hands-on aclivities, statistiC81 analysis with R, oceanographic data analysis, and scientific writing. Participants valued the friendly and expert guidance of instructors, effective individual attention, and logistical arrangements like proper breaks. Real-life examples, peer interactions, and the practical applicalion of tools such as visualizalion techniques were also seen as valuable, enriching the leaming experience. Overall, the emphasis was on interactive, well-sltuctured, and practical sessions linked to their academic and research needs. ObJeGt 4: The promotion of innovation and technology in the science of global ocean observation: This has been conducted mainly through projects focussing on developing low-cost inslrumentalion for ocean observing aimed at developing countries and citizen science. These both address the issue that, despite a high-level political endorsement, there are few international initiativ8S to make more Obse￿ationS possible in coastal areas with little resources. In particular, the ability to ac￿55 user-friendly, low-cost instrumentation is still a limiting factor in coastal ocean obseNing. since most marine obseNation equipmenl is difficult lo deploy, costly to operate and requires specific technical skills. On the other hand, recent technological advancements have allowed novel improvements in sensors. platforms and communication that will enable a step change in coastal ocean obseNing philosophy. Page 14 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities (Continued) Social AGITation for Tem eralure Anal sis. SAGITTA The project aims to implement a citizen science approach for consistent and regular lemperalure profile data colleGlion in the coastal ocean. This requires distribution of cheap and simple temperature-deplh (TD) probes among the general public. Though suitable equipment is pr8sent on the market, it is very expensive (5.000-9,000 USD per probe) and rèlatively eompiex for users without specialised training. ThÉrefore the project aims to crèate a low-cost TD probe, simple smartphon8 application and web portal to make this idea possible. The probe should be inexpensive (about 100 USD), yet scientifically reliable. The smartphone app will be used for probe control, instanl data visualization and data transmission to th8 web. Thè web portal is necessary for data storage, acGes5 and dissemination- it will also be useful for training and outreach. A field test of the water temperature profiler was conducted in August 2024 in Haifa Bay.18rael. The instrument was deployed using a 6Ckmetre rope and a heavy anchor (approximately 3 kg). The vessel departed from Kishon Marina, and the profiler was deployed at d8plhs of 50 metres and 30 metres at different locations. Temperatur8 readings were recorded at intervals of 220 milliseconds, Overall, the profiler successfully Gapturèd lemperalure profile5 at varying depths, However, no themiocline was detected, contrary to initial expectations. For future deployments, it will be important lo address the noise generaled by the pressure sensor and irnprove its calibration. Enhancing sensor calibration and reducing associated noise will contribLrte to greater measurement accuracy and provide more rellable data for future sea trlals. During the first semester of 2024 it was agreed that the proje¢l leadership should be transferr@d to Dr. Subrata Sarker. NANO-DOAP coordinator, bringing NANO-DOAP and SAGITTA projects together. Head ofthe Oceanography Department at the Shahjalal University Science and Technology (SUST), Bangladesh, Dr Sarker has access lo techniGalllT staff with tho expertise lo move the project along. He and his team will work with SAGirrA's prograrnmer (Alexander Rakhman, based in Israel), and with other people supporting the project (e.g., ODN and ENC Data). To facililale the transfer. th8 former project coordinator (Kirill Kivva) plans lo visil SUST in April 2025, to hand over rnateri21s and provide details on the achievements of th8 project so far and what r8mains lo b8 done, The meeting will include activities with students of Oceanography and Engineering from SUST and invited fisherm8n, and a d8y of field testing of SAGITTA. The visit was originally planned for August 2024, but had lo be postponed due to the political situation in Bangladesh. By rescheduling lo April the visit is timed lo coincide with the visil of O￿an Data Network (ODNI to establish Ihe new pilot sile of the Fishing Vessel Sensor Ne￿ork projecl, facilitating discussions bet￿een ODN and Dr. Sarker regarding SAGITTA. Develo ment of a low-cost h dro hone for research education and commtjnit science.. GlowSoLFnds Grant (1 OK EUR) award8d lo Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia 8 di Geofisica Sperimentale {OGSI The integration of affordable hydrophone technology plays a pivotal role in advancing marine bioacoustics, a field essential for understanding and protecting marine biodiversity. Sound is a critical component of marine environments, influencing the behaviour, communication, and survival of numerous aquatic species. By deploying low-cost, open-source hydrophones, we enable continuous. widespread monitoring of undewater soundscapes. This democratisation of technology not only supports scientific research bul also empowers Gommunity scientists and educators in underserved regions, enhancing global participation in ocean monitoring and conseNation. This project aims to.. Design an affordable and open-source hydrophone autonomous system, without compromising qualily and perfomiance, catering to research, education, and community science need5 Oevelop software to manage and program device settings Develop a global digital platform to promote and facilitate the use of the device, complete with educational resources. This funding will be used to develop and build the first 25 prototypes to be distribLrted to selected numbers of beta testers. Further hjnding will then be sought to implernent correctionslimprovements, and develop a distribution and training platform. From a policy perspective, the availability of affordable, reliable acoustic data supports evidence-based decision-making. It enables policymakers to implement more effective marine management slralegies, comply wilh environmental pioteclion regulations. and meet inl&mational conservation goals. Additionally, our project aligns with the objectives of the Global Ocean Observing System by conlributing to the Essential Ocean Variables. sp8cifica15y Ocean Sound. Highlights: The WG has been meeting regularly on-line. A poster was presented al the OCEANS 2024 Meeting in Halifax. Canada The group issued 2 survey to the community ta gather input Dn Ljser needs, which gathered 138 responses. 90Yo of respondents believe that such a low-cosl autonomous device is needed, including a significant promotion of respondents who were senior rèsearchers., the lemperature and depth specifications matched well with the current design of Ihe device Page 15 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re rt of the Trustees ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT A¢hlevement and performance Charitable actlvlties (Continued) Highllghts.. The team is making good progress towards having a design re2dy for beta testing by mid-2025 by up to 50 beta testers around the world (POGO funding has been matched by SCOR to support the production of more pralolypesl The initiative has been endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Project An oral presentation has been accepted at the One Ocean Science Congr8ss in Nice, France (June 2025) Flnancial review Financlal positlon The charity, with the aid of sound financial management and the support of both its management and trustees, generaled positive financial outcome for the period ending 31 March 2025. Wthile th8 charity has made 8 loss for the year of £146,843, the majority of this has been due to utilising restricted reseNes brought forward. Total reserv8s are £341,079 and taking into account restricted reserves of £49,707, this leaves £291,372 unrestricted resetves. Principal fundlng source8 The principal sources of funding are.. Membership dues.. these are used to cover all operalional costs of the eharily as wèll as some grants and fellowships Grants from charitable foundalicns and other organisations, notably the Nippon Foundation, which supports POGO'S capaclty development programme, the Minderoo Foundation, which has supported an OBON workshop on biomolecular methods for fisheries management, and the Scientlfic Commiltee on Oceanic Researth (SCOR), which co-funds the POGO-SCOR visiting fellowship programme. An Agreement was also signed durlng this fiscal year with O￿anQueSt, a Saudia Arabia-based philanthropic foundation. Reserves policy POGO'S reserves poliw was adopted in Jan 2020. The target minimum Operating Reserve Fund is 12 months of average operatlng costs, The calculation of average monthly operaling cosls includes all recurring, predictable expenses such as salaries and benefits, insurance, office, travel, communications, projects, Working Groups and capacity development programmes. Depreciation, in-kind, and other non-cash expenses are not included in the calculation. The calculation of average monthly expens8s also exclud8s one-time or unusual, capital purchases. The Operating R8seNe is intended to provide an intemal source of funds for situations such as a 6udden increase in expen88s, one-tirne unbudgeted expenses, unanlicipal8d loss in funding, or unlnsured losses. Operating Reserves are not inlended to replace a permanent Ios5 of fvnds or eliminat8 8n ongoing budget gap. It is th8 intention of POGO for Operating Reserves to be used and replenished within a reasonably short period oftime. Th8 Operating Reserve Fuftd is defined as a fund set aside by action ofthe Board of Trustees. The minimum amount to be set aside as Operaling Reserve will be established in an amount sufficient to maintain ongoing operations and programmes for a set period of time, measured in month5. Th8 Operating Reserve serves a dynamic role and will be reviewed and adjusted in response lo bolh Internal and external changes. The amount of the Operating Reserve Fund target minimum will be calculated each year 8ft8r approval of the annual budget, reported to the FinanGe CommitteelBoard of Trustees, and included in the regular financial reports. The Operating Res8rve will b8 funded with surplus unrestricted operating funds. The Board of Trustees may from time to time direct that a specific sourc8 of revenue be set aside for Operating ReseNe. The main contingencies allowed for by the Reserves Policy, ar8: POGO having to relocate Ihe office, in case the agreement in place with the current Secretarial host(s) is leminated by eilher party. Th8 provision in the conliact is for 6 months, notice, which would mean any costs incurred would have to be m8t at relatively short noti￿, Costs Could include redundancy and other compensation that POGO may be required by law to pay the staff (e.g. related to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) -TUPE', legal cosls-, potential increased salary costs related lo employment by a different host, etc, If POGO were to start employing the Secretariat slaff itself there would be additional cosls related to HRIIT and other Servi￿$, office rental elc. Other emergencies including legal costs, insurance ex￿$$, or uninsured losses. Loss of income: This is a potsntial threat caused by fluctuations in membership. or by some members being unable to pay their dues in a given year. In addition. the Nippon Foundation grant is only renewed from one year lo the next, so rf it is not renewed w8 would potentially receive very little notice of this (in this case th8 project would not go ahead, bul additional fvnds from POGO could potentially be needed to cover staff costs, lo which NF contributes £50,000 per annum). The amount of reseNes currently held is projected to be very slightly above the amount staled in the rese￿eS policy. taking into account commitments that have been made to fund Working Groups and projects, but which have not yel taken plac8. The balance held as unrestric18d funds al 31 March 2025 was £291,372 ofwhich £291,372 are considered 'free' reserves. This level ol reserves is broadly consistent wilh our policy Df holding one years, operating costs (Circa £250,000), excluding Nippon related projects. Page 16 Partnershl for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO Re ort of thè Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) Financial and risk management objectives and policies The trustees have a duty lo identify and review the risks lo which the charity is exposed and to 8nsure appropriate controls are in place to provide rèasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees recognise that risks can arise not only from the charity's activities but also from failure to act or exploit opportunit18s. The trustees do not consider that all risks should be avoided. They are not averse to taking reasonable risks as part of their strategy to achieve the charity's objectives. However, they wish to be made aware of the major risks the charity faces so that they can plan how lo manage those risks and mitigate their effects. The trustees have therefore appointed the Chair and CEO lo review major risks and make recommendations to the trustees as to how to manage th8m. Th8 truste6s exp8Ct all members, staff and volunteers when engaging in any activity to consider th8 risks it poses and to aot in accordance with any recommendations made for risk management. Th8 Iruste6S expect that staff and volunteers will not engage in significant types of aGtivity which are not similar to activities the trustees are already aware of, without first having made to the trustees a proper proposal for the charity engaging in such activity, including an analysis of the risks such activity might pose to the charity. The trustees have the same expectation in relation to significant increases in activities already pursued by the Gharity or significant changes in the way Ihose aclivitie5 are pursued. Risk management will be conducted according to the following steps: (1) identify the risks, {2) assess the risks, (3) evaluate what action needs to be taken, (4) monitoring and assessment. The trustees have developed and approved a risk management policy and a risk register to identify and assess the potential risks and develop strategies to manage Ihem. The risk register is reviewed monthly by th8 Chair and CEO, and twice per year by the Board as a whole. Given the charity is relatively young, it has not had a great deal of time lo develop a malure'rlsk appetite. approach. It is the intention of the Charity for Trustees to engage in 'risk appelile, training with a view to developing a measured approach to risk. Future plans During the coming period the organisation wlll work toward3 its aims In r85peGt of education for developing the science of global ocean observation, developing the Scien￿ a8 well a8 publishing and disseminating the results of research undertaken. The CIO will continue to provide scholarships and resèarch fellowships in accordance with its objects, using funds from membership dues as well as grants from the Nippon Foundation, the Minderoo Foundation, OceanQuest, and SCOR. Specifically, POGO will.. Expand its global footprint and benefit from in-kind support from member institutions by establishing Regional and Thematic Secretariat Nodes in other parts of the world, funded entirely by the host institutions., continue to develop activities wilh the exlsllng Weslern Pacific Regional Node in China.. Initiate and support new activities as a UN Decadè Implementing Partner and conlinue to support OBON., Complete current Working Groups {BIOTTA, BEACON, CMHIR, Agulhas Current, COLa8, Glowsounds, eDNA Monitoring NeI￿ork for Latin America and the Caribbean, Consumer%rade drones for tropical marin8 8nd coastal research) 8nd fund new ones through a call for proposals in 2025., Continue global research projects for NF-POGO alumnl., Continue Phase IV of the NF-POGO Centre of Excellen￿ hosted by the Ocean Frontier Institute and other partners in Canada; and provide Wisiting Fellowships and Shipboard Training Fellowships for early-caraér researchers,. Hold exhibition stands and give presentations al major international conferences IUNFCCC COP30)- continue the POGO Advocacy Working Group to craft POGO'S messaging for specific policy meetings., Increase its visibility and outreach impact, through the development of new outreach materials. case studies on the societal benefits of ocean obseNation. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The Charitable Incorporated Organisation ("the CIO") is governed by it's constitution in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. The CIO is based on the association model. R•cruibnent and appointment of new trustees Trustees are selecled from the member organisations and are appointed by the decision of the members ofthe CIO at the annual general meeting (with the exception of two trustees elected by the trustees themselves to improve regional andlor gender balance andlor lo fill gaps in expertise). Each appointment is for a term of two years (renewable once), ending al the close of the meeting of the board of Imslees immediately after an AGM. Page 17 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIQ TIA POGO ort of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued) Organisatlonal structure Membership of the CIO is open to any oceanographic research in81itution, educational dep2rtm8nt or organisation from any part of the world that is interested in furthering the purposes ofthe CIO. Th& affairs ofthe CIO ar8 managed by a Board ofTrustees, elected by the members. The day to day operations of the CIO are delegated by the trustees to th8 CEO and Secretariat Financial matters are delegated to a Financial Commillee, which reports to the Board of Trustees. Oversight of stsff perfomiance and salaries is delegated to a Remuneration Committee, which makes recommendations regarding salaries to the Board of Truste8s, following consultation with the Finance Commillee. Al leasl one truslee serves on these Comrnittees. In 2024, a new Regional Node was officially launched for the Western Pacific. hosted by the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), which also c(Fhosts the new POGO Western Pacific Regional Node, togeth8r with the First Institute of Oceanography, and the Ocean Decade International Cooperation Centre (ODCC) China. The ODCC will provide supporl for the operation and maintenance ofthe Node. The Director and Deputy Director oflhe regional node rotate be￿een Flo and IOCAS every two years. The Western Pacific Regional Node's duties include identifying and filling data and knowledge gaps of the oc8an-climate relationship in the Western Pacific region, c¢xsrdinating relevanl stakeholders nationally and globally to enhance cooperativè exchanges in the domains of marine observation, forecasting, disaster prevention and mitigation, and response lo global climate change. It will initiate snd implement large-scale scientific plans and projects for the O￿an Decade to jointly boost Ihe sustainable development of the ocean under the guidance of POGO. The governance structure is summarised in the following diagram. CHARITY COMMISSION of England & Wales regulates reports to Partnershlp for Observadon of the Global Ocean Charltable Incorporated Organlsotlon {CIO}, reg. no. 1171692 WORKING GROUPS, TRAINING INITIATIVES & PROJECTS MEMBERS (Dlrectors of member Instltutions) Moln declslon-maklng body elert/ I deleqate serve on report to reports to/ consults FINANCE COMMirrEE serve on revlews proposals BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chalr + 7 trustees Strategic development, overslght of activities finances & stoff Compliance wlth Chority Law oppolnts/ deleg¢7te5 to serve on delegates to consults EVALUATION COMMIThEE REMUNERATION COMMirrEE delegates to Mtikes recommendotlons opproves report to/ consult REGIONAL NODE(S) CEO & SECRETARIAT Day-to-day operatlons. dellvery of POGO programrne Regional activitles and disseminotlon report to Page 18 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO rt of the Trusts8s For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (conlinuedl External review The first Exl&rnal Review of POGO was conducted in 2024. An External Review Panel, consisting of 6 experts, was appointed by the Board ofTrustees. The Panel members were selected to represent a range of POGO stakeholders, including the marine science community {POGO members and non-members), representatives of other international or regional organisations, and other stakeholders. The Panel met several limes on-line, as well as during a hybrid meeting in Plymoulh, UK, where they also had the opportunity to interacl with the POGO Secretariat and former Chair. One member ofthe Panel also attended the POGO Annual Meeting to interact with Ihe POGO community {members, trustees, alumni, partners...). Members of the Panel received travel support to attend the POGO-25 Annual Meeting (1), or the Panel Meeting in Plymouth (4). and four ofthem reGeived a modest honorarium as compensation for their work (the other were not allowed by their employer to receive any paymenll. The POGO Board of Trustees was presented the External Review Panel's report by the Panel Chair, Wendy Watson-wright, on 20th June 2024. The report and its recommendations were discussed by the Board during the subsequent meeting, and some proposals were put to the membership on 29th August 2024, during an on-line meeting attended by over 30 members. Wendy Watson-wrighl also presented the report at that m88ting and answered questions from the members. The Panel's recommendalions focused on the following areas.. Governancelleadership - e.g., strengthening member engagement, particularfy at the Director level Funding- e.g., reviewing POGO'S funding model and elaborating a long-term funding strategy Pillarsffocus sreas- e.g., strengthening Pillar 1 (Innovation in ocean obseNing) and particularly the focus on ocean technology Collaboration- e.g, working more closely with GOOS to define respective roles and enhancing complementarilylcollaboration • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion e.g. producing materials in morg languages and seeking collaboration with indigenous and coastal communitleS. The Board ofTru$tees and members 8gr8ed that the review had produced some valuable insights and recommendations, almost all of which will be land are alr88dy being) actively addressed. In particular, a new format for the POGO Annual Meetings was implemented in Fèb 2025, POGO'S r8sponse lo the review has been shared with the Panel and with POGO members. Induction and tralnlng of ngw trustees The charity twstees make available to each new trustee a copy of the CIO'S constitutlon and any amendments made to St, as well 8s a copy of the CIO'S latest trustees, aftnual report and statement of accounts, and the Charity Commission's guidance documents on the role of the trustee. All trusle8s have previous knowl8dge of the activities of POGO and are given guidance on their responsibilities as a trustee. Trustees are also invited lo training courses on govemanGe, which the Gharity pays for. These have been attended virtually since 2020, and the trustees found the virtual training mode lo be very effective. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Reglsterod Com pany number CE010344 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number 1171692 Reglstered offlco Plymouth Marine Laboratory Prospect Place The Hoe Plymouth Devon PL13DH Trustees Prof N Owens {Chair) (resigned 24.3.25) Professor T S Hwai Captain F A Arias-lsaza Dr F P Chavez Dr C G P Chavez Prof. F Chai Dr O Pringault Dry Rodrigues {resigned 17.1.25) DrA M Waite (appointed 7.3.25) Page19 Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO TIA POGO ort of the Trustees ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS (continued) Auditors TC Group Statutory Auditors Harscombe House 1 Darklake View Plymouth Devon PL6 7TL COMMENCEMENT OF ACTIVITIES The CIO was formed in February 2017 to takè on the activiti88 of a Canadian Society Wlth the same name. The process for Iransferrlng operations to the CIO took longer than initially anticipatgd and operations began in the CIO in July 2018. GOVERNANCE STATEMENT The Board of Trustees have had due regard lo the principals of recommendéd practices as set out by the "Charity Governance Code" and havè applied these wherever practical and in d8cision making. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The truste8s are responsible for pieparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial stalements in accordance wilh applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting PractiGe). Charity law requires the trustees to prepar8 financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incorning resources and application of resources, including the incorne and expenditure, of the Charity for that period. In prep8ring those financial statements, the trustees are required to select sultable accountlng poll¢les and then apply them conslstently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP., make judgements and estimates that ar8 r6asonable and prudent. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to pr8sum6 that the Charity will continue li business. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the Charity and to enabl8 them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the charities SORP 2025. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity 8nd hence for taking reasonable steps for the pr8vention and d8tection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware.. there is no relevant audit infomialion of which the Charity's auditors are unawarè., and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and ti 88tablish that Ihe auditors ar8 aware of that information. AUDITORS The audilors. TC Group, will b8 proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, on 2711112025 and signed on the board's behalf by: Captain Francisco A. Arias Is318 - Trust88 Page 20 Re ortof the Indo endent Auditors to tha Trustges of Partnershi for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean CIO (the 'Charity') for the year ended 31 March 2D25 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activilies. the Statement of Financial Position, th8 Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statem8nts, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework Ihal has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Awepted Accounting practi￿>. In our opinion the financial statements.. give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application o resources, including its income and expendilurè, for the year then ended-, have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., and have been prepared in accordance wilh the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Bas18 for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those stsndards are furth8r described in the Auditors, responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordan￿ with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements ir) the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities In accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have oblained is sufficient and appropriale to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatlng to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded thÉt the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not IdentSfled any malerlal un¢ertalntles relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a going concem for a period of al least tsvelv8 months from when the financial statements are aulhorised for issue. Our Tesponsibililies and Ihe responsibilities of the trus1888 Wlth respect to going concem are described in the relevant sections of thls report. other information The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in Ihe Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report oflhe Independent Auditors Ihereon. Our oplnion on the flnancial statements does not cover the other infomation and, except to the extent otheNlse expllcllly stated in our report, we do nol express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomialion is malerially inconsistent with the financial statements cr our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial Statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, w8 conclude that there is a material misstat8m8nt of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We hav8 nothing to report in this regard. Matters on whlch we are requirpd to report by exception We have nothing to r8POrt In respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requir8S US to report lo you if. in our opinion.. the information given in the Report of th8 Trustees is inconsist8nt in any material respect with the financial slatements., or Ihe Charity has not kept adequat8 accounting records; or Ihe financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting reGords and returns- or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responslbilities of trustees As explained more fijlly in the Stalement of Trustees, Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such intemal mntrol as the truslees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement. whelher due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing Ihe Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as appliGable, matters related to going concern and using the going concem basis of accounting unless th@ Irustees either intend lo liquidate the Charity or lo cease operations, or have no realistlG alternative but lo do so. Pagè 21 Re ort of the Inde ndént Auditors to the Trustees of Partnershl for Observatlon of the Global Ocean CIO Our responslbllltles for the audit of the financial statements Our objeclives are to obtsin reasonable assuran￿ about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstalement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducied in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material rf, individually or in the aggr8gate. they could reasonably b6 expecl8d to influencè the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of Ihese financial slatemenls. Irregularities, including fraud, are inslanGes of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The exlenl to whith our procedures are capable of detecting irregularitie5, including fraud, is detailed below. The obj8Ctives of our audit, in resped lo fraud, are.. lo identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial slalements due to fraud,. to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assossed risks of material misstatement dua to fraud, through designing and impl&menting appropri8te respons8s'. and to respond appropriat8ly to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audil. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rèsts with both those charged with governance of the entity and ils management. Our approach was as follows.. -we id8ntified areas of laws and regulatlons that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussion with th8 directors and other management (as required by auditing standards). and discussed with the directors and oth8r management the policies and procedures garding compliance with laws and regulations. -we identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect.. health and Safety,. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),. fraud,, bribery and corruption and employment law. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and légal correspondence, if any. -we considered the legal and regulatory frameworks directly applicable lo the financial statements reporting framework (FRS 102 and the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK., -we considered the nature of the group's operations, the control environment and business performance, induding the key drivers for management's remuneration., -we communicated identified laws and regulatlons throughout our team and remalned alert to any Indlcations of non