Leading scientists and experts on the topic convened in Brussels and remotely on 21-22 January 2024, for the second JPI Oceans scoping workshop focused on Offshore Freshened Groundwater (OFG). The workshop aimed to identify knowledge gaps and lay the groundwork for future collaborative research, including a potential demonstration project. The two-day event built upon the conclusions of the first scoping workshop held in August 2024. 

Groundwater stored in sub-seafloor sediments with lower salinity than seawater, jargonised as OFG, presents a promising alternative source of freshwater for coastal regions. The occurrences are currently considered as unconventional water resources in the framework of scientific research and the United Nations’ implementation of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 6. 

Discussions and outcomes: 

The workshop generated extensive discussion and identified several crucial areas for future research and development related to OFG. 

A primary focus was on addressing existing knowledge gaps. Participants emphasized the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the connection between onshore and offshore groundwater systems. Determining the age of OFG deposits and thoroughly characterizing their hydraulic and hydrogeologic properties were also deemed essential. A significant point of discussion revolved around the potential environmental impacts associated with the use of OFG, highlighting the need for careful consideration and mitigation strategies. 

The workshop also delved into the legal and socioeconomic aspects of OFG. The existing legal frameworks governing offshore resources were examined, with discussions drawing parallels to the established practices in offshore hydrocarbon extraction. Socioeconomic benefits were recognised as being contingent on sustainable utilisation of this resource. 

Public perception and effective communication were identified as critical factors. Participants stressed the importance of presenting scientific findings within their broader social, cultural, and economic context. Aligning the research with existing ocean literacy initiatives was suggested as a way to promote better understanding and acceptance of OFG among the public.  

The technical challenges and costs associated with OFG exploration and development were a major topic. Detailed analyses of drilling campaign requirements were presented, including cost estimates for various scenarios.  

A wide range of monitoring strategies were discussed to assess OFG resources and potential environmental impacts. These included geophysical and fiber optic monitoring systems, fixed multibeam sonar for submarine groundwater discharge, and the deployment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for seep detection. Monitoring of freshwater springs was presented as a possible alternative approach. 

Finally, the workshop identified potential priorities for a potential future joint call. These include: the characterization, validation, and assessment of OFG bodies through demonstration projects; environmental assessments of OFG seeps, including the development of environmental baselines; and several crosscutting themes, encompassing legal, social, and economic aspects of OFG utilisation, as well as foresight analysis of environmental impacts. 

The insights and recommendations from this workshop will be presented to the JPI Oceans Management Board for formal approval and inform the development of a potential JPI Oceans Joint Action aimed at unlocking the potential of OFG.  

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