A recent episode of the S2G Podcast recapped a very impactful discussion I had during our annual S2G Summit, where I had the opportunity to unpack the potential of ocean intelligence with Kimberly Mathisen, Justin Manley, and Zack Baize.

From a utilization perspective, I believe the ocean remains our planet's greatest natural asset. Despite contributing an estimated $24 trillion in assets and over $70 trillion in global GDP annually, we still understand very little about the ocean. Only about 20% of the seafloor has been mapped, and much less is known about the entire water column. This gap in knowledge hinders our ability to fully leverage the ocean's resources sustainably.

Historically, ocean-related decision making has often lacked scientific backing, leading to negative impacts that were not quantified. However, a confluence of innovation, technological advancements in hardware and software, and motivated researchers and regulators are collectively propelling a paradigm shift toward a more intelligent ocean.

We are now at a point where technological advancements are enabling the collection of vast amounts of data at lower costs - this shift towards low-cost, persistent, and pervasive data collection can significantly move the needle across numerous fronts.

Ocean data is not only crucial for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems but also for creating investment opportunities. Biodiversity data, in particular, has seen a surge in interest due to regulatory frameworks requiring companies to report on their environmental impact. This data is essential for measuring and managing risks associated with marine activities, such as aquaculture, greenhouse gas capture, and sequestration.

Furthermore, ocean intelligence will be a key factor in the decarbonization of maritime transport. By monitoring vessel movements and their impact on marine environments, we can develop more efficient and sustainable shipping practices. The integration of data from various sources, including satellite and in-situ measurements, is key to achieving these goals.

It’s important to recognize that collecting and managing ocean data presents significant challenges due to its complexity and diversity. Data comes in various forms, from physical samples to digital measurements, and integrating these into a cohesive system is no small feat. Important initiatives like HUB Ocean are working toward creating interoperable platforms that can handle this diversity and facilitate data sharing among stakeholders.

The future of ocean intelligence is promising, with advancements in technology and growing awareness of the ocean's critical role in our ecosystem and economy. As we continue to gather and analyze ocean data, we must focus on building sustainable business models that attract investment and support long-term growth.

If you’re interested in learning more on this topic, I highly recommend listening to the full episode. Thank you again to Kimberly, Justin, and Zack for joining in on this important conversation.