On 3rd December 2024 and 14th January 2025, MSPglobal 2.0 led two workshops on ocean observation data for MSP in collaboration with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). A total of 34 experts in ocean observation data and/or marine spatial planning (MSP) took part in order to discuss the co-development of a data toolbox.
Integrating ocean observation data into the MSP process is crucial for any MSP initiative. However, many countries are not yet leveraging this valuable data. To address this gap, the MSPglobal initiative by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) has co-organised two online workshops in collaboration with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) to consult a broad range of experts in ocean observation data and MSP on how to develop a user-friendly data toolbox for MSP practitioners.
More specifically, the publication will not be a detailed technical cookbook but instead will aim to give key guidance which is easy to follow on how to integrate ocean observation into MSP. The overall goal is to make ocean observation data more accessible and to increase the quality and completeness of marine spatial plans. Additionally, the toolbox will be used to point to other available resources for ocean observation to increase their awareness amongst the MSP community.
Joint development of the Data Toolbox for Ocean Observation
During the first workshop, the draft structure of the publication was reviewed and several presentations were held in order to kickstart the discussions around specific recommendations for the data toolbox. The participating experts had previously been selected after an extensive global mapping.
The presentations featured topics that are relevant to this publication: Karen Evans from UNESCO-IOC made the start by introducing current ocean observation techniques and platforms offered by GOOS. Following, Andrei Polejack from the National Institute for Ocean Research (Brazil) explained the needs, challenges and obstacles faced by MSP practitioners and stakeholders regarding ocean observation from the perspective of the global south. Lastly, Silas Souza from UNESCO-IOC’s Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) introduced the project MPA Europe to show how the OBIS data repository can be used for MSP.
Towards the end, a digital whiteboard was used to highlight and exchange recommendations on three major themes of the toolbox: Essential ocean variables, future trends (eg. climate projections), and of course the integration of ocean observation data into MSP.
Refining the Data Toolbox
The weeks between the workshops were used by the MSPglobal team to integrate the experts’ feedback. Thus, the second workshop started by presenting an updated and refined draft outline of the toolbox. Moreover, additional presentations were held by selected experts from across the globe on topics relevant to the publication:
Fernando Afanador-Franco from the Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center ( Colombia) made the start by sharing how ocean observation variables are used in the Colombian Caribbean. Next, Yann-Hervé de Roeck presented Euro-Argo (France) as a global network contributing to the GOOS and the Global Climate Observing System.
Elizabeth Lawrence from UNESCO-IOC/OBIS then focused more on data accessibility by introducing the Ocean Biodiversity Information Systems (OBIS) and the GOOS BioEco Portal which make marine biodiversity data interoperable. She was followed by Dawn Wright from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (USA) who identified critical technology for MSP such as geospatial approaches.
Jerome Aucan shared what The Pacific Community (New Caledonia) is trying to achieve on a regional level by integrating ocean observation in MSP. Additionally, Joaquin Tintore from the Balearic Islands Coastal Observation System (Spain) explained how the ocean really changes and why we need data in different time and space scales. He called on the need for transformative organizational changes saying “We need real transformation in ocean observation, we need a real change: ocean integration for enhanced science and responding to society challenges”. Lastly, Tiago Gandra from the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) explained how ocean observation is supporting the Brazilian MSP.
All in all, the online workshops produced a good amount of valuable feedback which will be used to co-develop the data toolbox in the coming months. Finally, it is worth mentioning that in parallel, MSPglobal is also finalising a data toolbox on spatial data infrastructure which will also offer easy-to-follow guidance in the use of data.
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