Santa Marta, 11.03.25
How can we effectively tackle the challenges of data fragmentation, interoperability across disciplines, and system interconnections to support marine policy, conservation, and sustainable development? Building on the momentum of Day 1, the second day of the third International Ocean Data Conference (IODC-3) explored how to bring cohesion and inclusivity to global ocean data systems and sustainable ocean planning and management. Articulated around two sessions and a workshop, this second day of the IODC-3 addressed complex ocean governance issues.
The speakers painted a pixel-clear picture across disciplines and topics: the future of ocean governance depends on our capacity to integrate and use diverse datasets, from remote sensing observations to local fisheries records and historical shipwreck archives.
Building digital ocean ecosystems: the integrated vision
Unifying digital ecosystems across disciplines requires seamless interconnectivity while respecting the diversity of formats, methodologies, processes and legal standards. Large global repositories lead the way to data harmonization, explained Adam Leadbetter (Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing). Through unifying initiatives such as the Ocean Decade Digital Ocean Ecosystem, global marine observation systems such as GOOS, IODE, OBIS, and ODIS strengthen their interoperability to ensure global accessibility and usability of ocean data to support improving ocean knowledge, conservation efforts and the sustainable exploitation of the marine resources, crucial for human welfare.
Interconnection across domains and disciplines is another essential step towards improving ocean knowledge. The closer integration between the World Meteorological Organization’s WIS 2.0 and ODIS will allow, among other benefits, for better, high-resolution ocean forecasts. WIS 2.0, a next-generation cloud-ready infrastructure that enables real-time data exchange between oceanographic and meteorological networks, David Berry (World Meteorological Organisation) explained in his talk. Such a federated, scalable digital ecosystem allowing for real-time data exchange across disciplines would produce invaluable marine insights for humanity and would contribute to addressing some of the pressing ocean knowledge gaps, said explained Pier Luigi Buttigieg (Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany) during his presentation But to achieve unification, efforts need to be made. “Without a properly linked digital ecosystem, we risk duplicating efforts and missing opportunities to enhance ocean data accessibility,” he reminded. Silos need to be taken down; metadata standardization should become a rule, as well as the adoption of open-access infrastructure to maximize interoperability. Echoing this cross-domain, cross-discipline approach, Colm Walsh (Marine Environmental Data and Information Network) highlighted the need to integrate non-spatial marine data into global ocean information systems, noting that most ocean data initiatives prioritize geospatial datasets while neglecting critical biological, socio-economic, and even environmental datasets. “Our ethos is to measure once, use many times,” he noted, describing how the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) expanded metadata standards beyond biodiversity to allow a broader range of marine information to be integrated and shared globally.
Efficiency strategies and best practices, highlighted during the first day of the conference, will contribute to improving interconnectivity between digital ocean ecosystems. According to James Ayliffe (British Oceanographic Data Centre, National Oceanography Centre, UK), the global marine scientific community could develop a more streamlined and efficient data submission and integration approach to avoid multiple submissions of the same dataset to different repositories. He proposed a coordinated system where data is submitted once and then distributed to specialized centres. James Ayliffe stressed that harmonized data management practices are essential for data reliability and robustness, two crucial components in increasing decision-makers’ uptake.
As digital ecosystems progressively take shape and rise, numerous ocean governance challenges remain, especially in regions where stakeholder landscapes are complex and multilayered. The geopolitics of data are a potential risk for the stability and integrity of information flows. In Antarctica, where the political situation is complex, researchers need to deploy a two-layered set of interconnected nodes that can function even if part of the network is negatively affected by an external factor, such as a political decision.
From data to decisions: mapping and managing ocean spaces
These data integration efforts bear the maximum impact on decision-making, particularly in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Across presentations, experts demonstrated how cutting-edge, marine data-based tools radically improve ocean planning, influence the balance between conservation and economic activities, and even contribute to ensuring equitable access to marine resources. Natalia Solís-Miranda (UNESCO-IOC) highlighted MSPglobal’s progress in developing two Data Toolboxes for MSP practitioners, which has been done in collaboration with IODE and GOOS teams. One toolbox focuses on Spatial Data Infrastructure, nearing completion, and the other on integrating ocean observations in MSP, both improving data accessibility for ocean governance. Milena Hernández Ortiz (INVEMAR, Colombia) showcased how highly operational MSP and (CZM are implemented in Colombia through platforms like the Marine Environmental Information System (SIAM), OBIS, and ODIS. These digital systems help define coastal zones to protect and monitor, support offshore energy projects, and strengthen national marine governance. Andrej Abramic (CETMAR, Canary Islands) explained that the ReMAP Data Tools—a set of fit-for-purpose digital tools—simplify MSP through modular analytics in Europe. The NavySafe tool, for example, assesses maritime safety risks linked to offshore wind farms, while other tools evaluate the compatibility of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with economic activities. Tested in the Baltic Sea, the Western Mediterranean, and Galicia, these tools are helping policymakers make data-driven, evidence-based planning decisions at local, transboundary, and regional levels.
Expanding on the digitalization of MSP-related observing systems, Yannick Leroy (French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, France) reminded us that “geoportals are no longer just a support for governance: they have become the mode of governance itself.” He used the North Sea Basin project, which works to harmonize national MSP plans with EMODnet to ensure a standardized approach to maritime safety and renewable energy development, as an example. He called for closer collaboration between national authorities, data providers, and regional initiatives to ensure maritime spatial plans are effectively integrated into global ocean governance frameworks.
Local knowledge, global impact: empowering communities with data
Ensuring that data is equally shared and no one is left outside of the growing and developing digital ocean ecosystems remains crucial. Bridging the data access and contribution gaps is needed to include communities most exposed to the ongoing triple crisis and ensure their contribution. The use of locally available observation resources and the integration of local knowledge into marine databases are a step towards improved inclusivity. Better monitoring and assessing local environmental and biodiversity losses can also contribute to better equity.
Maximizing an available local resource—a smartphone—Peter Teye Busumprah (Ocean Rock Base and Ghana Ocean Climate Innovations Hub, Ghana) introduced the Multifunctional Ocean Application, an app-based fisheries data-sharing platform designed for local fishermen in Ghana. This platform aids in creating a comprehensive Fisheries Atlas for West Africa and answers local fishermen’s needs, such as mapping fishing locations and catch-logging. It also allows users to document the species they encounter in their native languages and upload their observations to marine observation initiatives.
In Cabo Verde, Katelene da Cruz Delgado (Universidade Técnica do Atlântico, Cabo Verde), assessed the effectiveness of fisheries management policies, focusing on mackerel stock restoration. She found that if landing sizes have increased, overall catches have declined due to climate and ecosystem changes. These disruptions directly impact fishing communities in the country, threatening livelihoods. According to da Cruz Delgado, stronger monitoring, policy updates, and environmental impact assessments are needed to ensure long-term sustainable fisheries management. In Southeast Asia, Ngo Thuy Hao (Xiamen University, China) used cumulative human impact assessments to reveal that human activities impact over 81.4% of the region’s mangrove areas. The main stressors are aquaculture, nutrient pollution, cropland expansion, and urbanization. Her study provided critical insights to support decision-makers in implementing evidence-based mangrove management strategies. Similarly, Muhammad Sajid Anam Hoque (National Oceanographic And Maritime Institute, Bangladesh) presented a study on shoreline and coastal dynamics in the Bangladesh Delta, highlighting significant changes in river channels, wetlands, and mangrove expansion due to climate change, cyclones, and human activities. Like Ngo Thuy Hao, he called for collaborative climate adaptation policies to protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Beyond marine science, it is crucial to acknowledge that ocean research, such as historical knowledge and data, can allow researchers to better understand biodiversity shifts. Arturo Rey da Silva (Ocean Decade Heritage Network (ODHN) / University of Edinburgh, UK) demonstrated how shipwrecks, submerged landscapes, and historical maritime sites provide valuable environmental and historical data, making a compelling case for better integrating underwater cultural heritage (UCH) data that will allow shaping and strengthening ocean governance and sustainability efforts.
This second day of IODC-3 underscored the urgent need for a unified future for ocean data. No single institution, country, company, or community can manage ocean data alone. Achieving this unification requires greater interoperability, stronger interconnections, and seamless data integration, extending it beyond marine sciences into broader ocean research. The ocean community is diverse, and our digital ocean ecosystems, whatever their scale, must reflect and embrace that diversity. The ongoing unification, harmonization, and alignment efforts are strong drivers that move the ocean science community closer to a future where all ocean knowledge—scientific, cultural, historical and local—is integrated and accessible to all, especially those who need it most.