Challenges for Global Ocean Observation: the Need for Increased Human Capacity

Patricia Miloslavich, Sophie Seeyave, Frank Muller-Karger, Nicholas Bax, Elham Ali, Claudia Delgado, Hayley Evers-King information, Benjamin Loveday information, Vivian Lutz information, Jan Newton information, Glenn Nolan information, Ana C. information, Christine Traeger-Chatterjee information, Edward Urban information

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Sustained global ocean observations are needed to recognise, understand, and manage changes in marine biodiversity, resources and habitats, and to implement wise conservation and sustainable development strategies. To meet this need, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), a network of observing systems distributed around the world and coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has proposed Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) that are relevant to both the scientific and the broader community, including resource managers. Building a network that is truly global requires expanding participation beyond scientists from well-resourced countries to a far broader representation of the global community. New approaches are required to provide appropriate training, and resources and technology should follow to enable the application of this training to engage meaningfully in global observing networks and in the use of the data. Investments in technical capacity fulfil international reporting obligations under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14A. Important opportunities are emerging now for countries to develop research partnerships with the IOC and GOOS to address these obligations. Implementing these partnerships requires new funding models and initiatives that support a sustained research capacity and marine technology transfer.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019

Keywords

  • Capacity development
  • essential ocean variables
  • EOVs
  • global ocean observing system
  • ocean observations
  • GOOS
  • sustainable development goal 14 (SDG14)

Disciplines

  • Life Sciences

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