UNESCO Launches Ambitious Initiative to Establish the Largest Global Ocean Monitoring Fleet of 10,000 Vessels

Image Credits: UNESCO
This week, the picturesque city of Nice in France is the venue for the United Nations Ocean Conference, where leaders from around the globe, scientists, and various organizations have convened to enhance efforts for ocean conservation and research. A recent publication by UNESCO reveals an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding its real-time ocean observation network by incorporating 10,000 commercial vessels by 2035.

According to UNESCO, which oversees ocean science initiatives within the UN framework, ongoing monitoring of our oceans is crucial for addressing climate change challenges, forecasting severe weather events, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and ensuring maritime safety.

Currently, over 2,000 ships are equipped with scientific tools that provide live data to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The new target is to increase this fleet fivefold in just ten years.

UNESCO is actively encouraging shipping companies and governments worldwide to back this extensive project. The instruments being installed on these vessels can gather and relay meteorological and also oceanographic facts in real time.

Audrey Azoulay,UNESCO’s Director-General,has emphasized the need for significant investment in marine science. She pointed out that a mere fraction—less than 2%—of national research budgets currently goes toward this vital area.

Describing our oceans as “the greatest scientific adventure of our time,” Azoulay stressed that we can no longer ignore scientists’ urgent warnings about environmental degradation.

She’s calling on nations to bolster their support for marine research—a key component of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Enduring Development (2021–2030). This initiative has already facilitated over 700 projects globally with a total budget exceeding $1.5 billion.In addition to enhancing real-time data collection from ships, UNESCO aims to improve high-resolution seabed mapping—the cornerstone of all marine knowledge. Accurate maps are essential not only for tracking climate change impacts but also for disaster prediction and resource management while preserving biodiversity.

Collaborating with organizations like the International Hydrographic Institution and backed by funding from entities such as Nippon Foundation has allowed UNESCO to boost seabed mapping coverage significantly—from under 6% in 2017 up to an impressive 26.1% projected by 2024.

Though, there remains about a quarter more seabed data held privately or publicly that could be invaluable if made accessible. Countries like Canada and Germany are expected to announce new commitments during this conference aimed at sharing their datasets through UNESCO’s open-access platform right here in Nice.

Moreover, UNESCO has introduced a standardized method using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling designed specifically for biodiversity monitoring. This innovative technique enables quick identification of numerous marine species through genetic material found in water samples—a game changer!

Since launching its pilot program back in 2021 across various World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO itself—nearly 4,500 species have been identified from just around 500 water samples! Plans are now underway to expand these efforts significantly; they aim to collect an additional 2,500 samples across more sites than ever before—five times what was done initially!

These eDNA missions involve collaboration among experts from UNESCO alongside scientists volunteers teachers—and even students—all taking place within designated World Heritage Sites or Biosphere Reserves!

The UN Ocean Conference co-hosted by France along with Costa Rica has attracted over fifty heads of state along with government officials who are leveraging this platform calling urgently upon global cooperation towards protecting our oceans effectively!

Arsenio Dominguez—the Secretary-General at IMO—is also present urging renewed international commitments towards safeguarding marine environments stating clearly: “The ocean belongs collectively—it’s everyone’s responsibility.”

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments during his remarks following discussions focused on sustainable practices within Monaco emphasizing how clear scientific evidence indicates immediate action must be taken! He highlighted sustainable fishing shipping tourism aren’t merely options—they’re absolute necessities moving forward!

Reference: UNESCO