The Western Channel Observatory, Plymouth, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of L4 with the publication of a special issue in Progress in Oceanography (Volume 137, Part B, Pages 335-570). The 17 cross-cutting scientific research papers, from 25 UK and international institutes, provide new insights into seabed and water column processes as well as their interactions, demonstrating a key strength of the WCO. WCO has provided observations from the western English Channel since 1903. Its exceptional capability to gather near real-time data for monitoring the health of our oceans and measuring changes, combined with scientific analysis and expertise, helps to further our understanding of global change. To read more go to: