Ocean Data to support Global Sustainable Fisheries Management
Goals
- Promote the use of Ocean Data to support long-term sustainability of global fisheries.
- Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders through GEO Blue Planet.
Key objectives
+ Promoting the adoption of Ocean Data by fisheries management bodies
Session 1. Showcasing and Knowledge Transfer
+ Engaging with key stakeholders to identify their Ocean Data needs and blockage points
Session 2. Needs Assessment
+ Supporting the use of Ocean Data in decision-making processes
Session 3. Collaborative Action and Roadmap Development
+ Exploring regional workshops to support Ocean Data services co-design and capacity development
Session 4. Platform for Stakeholder Engagement
Workshop Co-chairs:
Dr. Darius Campbell (NEAFC)
Dr. Hassan Moustahfid (NOAA / GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Working Group co-chair)
Dr. Pedro Ribeiro (Indra Space / GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Working Group co-chair) – online
Workshop Organizer:
Daphne Lecellier (Mercator Ocean Intl / GEO Blue Planet Secretariat)
| Day 1 – 21 April 2026 | |
| 8.00-9.00 | Welcome coffee |
| 9.00-9.20 |
Welcome remarks Dr. Darius Campbell (NEAFC) Dr. Audrey Hasson (GEO Blue Planet / Mercator Ocean Intl) – online Workshop Objectives |
| 9.20-9.30 | Opening Address
Dr. Pierre Bahurel (Mercator Ocean International) |
| 9.30-9.45 | GEO Blue Planet and its Fisheries Working Group
Daphne Lecellier (GEO Blue Planet) |
| 9.45-10.45 | To synthesize and present the latest advancements in State-of-the-art Ocean Data applications (observation, modelling, and derived products) that directly inform sustainable fisheries management and climate change adaptation strategies. + Monitoring indicators for fisheries in SIDS, + Fish modelling for fisheries management in a changing ocean, + Ocean data to monitor regime shifts and habitat changes in fisheries, + Water Quality and Productivity from Space for Fisheries |
| 10.45-11.15 | Coffee Break |
| 11.15-11.30 | Results of the survey
Daphne Lecellier (GEO Blue Planet) |
| 11.30-12.30 | Session 2. Needs Assessment
To identify and prioritize the critical barriers, gaps, and capacity needs faced by diverse Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs) and Management Organizations in the practical acquisition, utilization, and integration of Ocean Data into their decision-making frameworks. Invited Institutions include: |
| 12.30-14.00 | Lunch Break |
| 14.00-15.30 | Session 3. Collaborative Action and Roadmap Development
To develop a set of concrete recommendations and an initial collaborative roadmap to enhance coordination, resource sharing, and co-design of fit-for-purpose Ocean Data solutions, particularly focusing on mechanisms for effective capacity building across organizations with varied resource levels. |
| 15.30-16:00 | Coffee Break |
| 16.00-17.30 | Session 3. Collaborative Action and Roadmap Development – continued
Plenary restitution and discussion on next steps and action plan |
| 18.00-onwards | Dinner provided by organizers (on site) |
| Day 2 – 22 April 2026 | |
| 8.00-9.00 | Welcome coffee |
| 9.00-9.30 | Day 1 recap and Day 2 objectives |
| 9.30-10.30
|
Session 4. Co-design a solution for Stakeholder Engagement
Co-design a solution for sustained cross-sector dialogue, information exchange, and the future development/deployment of Ocean Data tools and best practices among technical experts and decision-makers. |
| 10.30 – 11.00 | Report back from each breakout groups |
| 11.00-11.30 | Coffee Break |
| 11.30-12.30 | Concluding Session
+ Recommendations and way forward |
| 12.30 | Adjourn |