BACKGROUND

Multifunctional marine spatial planning can help countries optimize the use of space, deliver multiple benefits, and use their resources more efficiently. To achieve this, marine geoinformation, seabed and coastal topography mapping is foundation. This provides the interdependencies of physical, chemical, and biological phenomenon which is essential for decision making. But there remain gaps in knowledge and resources are wasted on replicating data collection efforts. To increase the coverage, quality of and access to seabed mapping data collaboration is the key.

Objective of the program

• The program will highlight the role of marine data to help address the competing needs of a broad range of ocean stakeholders.
• Highlight the need for baseline data and ocean mapping to support decision-making.
• Discuss activities and innovations of a nation and challenges that ocean data users are facing.