The World Ocean Council (WOC) collaborated with Berring Data Collective, Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet Physics and SeaDataCloud on the webinar:
FISHING FOR DATA
Fishing activity presents an opportunity to cost-effectively collect large amounts of valuable ocean data that can be used to benefit a wide range of science and industry stakeholders. Many programs that have been working with fishing vessels to collect oceanographic data have unfortunately been operating in relative isolation. Communication, standardization and knowledge exchange are key for advancing this important opportunity.
The webinar provided an introduction to existing programs, data standards and management of data collection from fishing vessels, in a larger context via EMODnet. It also set the stage for the physical “Fishing for Data” workshop, which has been postponed to later in 2020.
The WOC CEO, Paul Holthus, participated in the webinar panel to address the needs and opportunities for data collection by the commercial fishing community to be developed in coordination with other ocean industries, and with the marine technology and data management sectors. There is considerable potential and value to developing synergies, economies of scale and standardization, for the benefit of all.
The WOC SMART Ocean-SMART Industries (SO-SI) Program provides the platform for a systematic and strategic process and network that can engage ocean vessels and platforms (such as fishing boats, oil platforms, wind farms, etc.), in hosting and deploying instrumentation for data collection. Together with its partners, the WOC continues to engage industry in the SO-SI, with the aim to establish an integrated collection and reporting of standardized ocean and atmospheric data in support of sustainable development.
Click here to access the recording and slides.