Recent studies suggest that the Indian Ocean has stored an astounding 30% of the global oceanic heat uptake from the atmosphere over the last two decades, despite only covering around 13% of the earth. While the warm eastern tropical Indian Ocean has warmed by about 0.7°C, the western basin has experienced an increase of 1.2°C in summer SSTs. This presentation is a compilation of work highlighting some key features in the western Indian Ocean. In particular, there is a focus on the Agulhas Current, one of the global oceans strongest western boundary currents, which plays a significant role on both regional and global climate. In addition, the Madagascar bloom region, one of the largest phytoplankton blooms in the global oceans is discussed, as well as a path of subsurface South Indian Ocean Eddies which connect the eastern South Indian Ocean basin to the western. Marine heat waves occurring in the Mozambique Channel, their seasonal signal and how they evolve and are maintained are highlighted, as well as the role of Mozambique Channel eddies on atmospheric cyclones passing over the region.

Following an overview of some of the key science, the programs being run in South Africa to address these questions are noted. The importance of making the science relative to society as well as the need to incorporate indigenous knowledge as part of this is discussed. The need to engage with industry is one way to further enhance research and some examples from South Africa are given. On top of this, a transdisciplinary, co generative approach to ocean observing is highlighted, alongside ocean literacy and outreach.

The presentation finishes with some suggestions for the future - the importance of the ocean to society is becoming better understood, how to address the many real challenges we are faced with is not. Science needs to provide the foundation for that understanding. Open knowledge sharing, including transparency and acknowledging uncertainties and gaps is ever more important. Ocean observing is not just technology, it is people, it is a community of many cultures and capabilities. We need to strengthen and broaden leadership and the community for sustained observing, and provide the tools for that community to interoperate. This includes documented best practices, training and an open collaborative environment. We need to create a new, diverse generation of informed ocean scientists where ocean boundaries are not considered and ensure that experience is passed onto this new generation and that opportunities are open to them to lead and have their voices heard.