This article examines the critical role of private sector ocean data in advancing sustainable ocean governance from national waters to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Despite its significant value, such data often remains inaccessible due to legal, technical, and contractual barriers. Building on recent policy developments, including the BBNJ Agreement, the Ocean Decade and IOC UNESCO frameworks, the paper highlights emerging obligations and opportunities for data sharing. It argues that embedding clear data-sharing requirements into permits and contracts is essential to operationalise private ocean data sharing frameworks. Strengthening interoperability, incentives, and institutional coordination can unlock private sector data to support science-based decision-making, equity, and global ocean sustainability goals.
Sustainable ocean governance is essential for advancing the blue economy by balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. Global frameworks such as United Nation’s Conference on Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS) and Sustainable Development Goal 14 guide nations in managing marine resources, yet many struggle to translate policies into practice due to institutional fragmentation and limited technological capacity. Using Nigeria as a case study, this paper examines the alignment of national blue economy initiatives with international standards, the effectiveness of institutional coordination, and progress in Marine Spatial Planning. It identifies legal gaps, data limitations, and enforcement challenges, and recommends targeted reforms to strengthen implementation and advance ocean governance.
Vessel offset surveys (VOS) are essential for accurately integrating hydrographic systems, ensuring correct positioning and mounting angles for sonars, and positioning and orientation systems within specified manufacturer accuracies, which are necessary to meet the expected hydrographic survey standards summarized in the International Hydrographic Organization’s publication S-44. This study examines factors affecting VOS accuracy, such as the number of station setups, baseline lengths, least square plane fitting, and instrument accuracies. Results indicate that multiple setups are required to achieve accurate mounting angles. Longer baselines improve accuracy, particularly for small sensors like an inertial measurement unit, while circular transducers benefit from fitting a plane with multiple points. This analysis supports standardizing VOS procedures to enhance VOS reliability and accuracy.
Fisheries are an essential ocean industry, generating billions annually and supporting the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Effective management depends on governments’ ability to collect and analyse fisheries data, including vessel movements, catch, and ownership information. This article examines the international legal frameworks that mandate such data collection, alongside national legal protections that may restrict data sharing beyond public authorities. It considers whether these limitations are justified, given the inherently transboundary nature of fisheries and the need for cross-border data exchange, particularly in efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Nearshore hydrographic surveying in the Canadian Arctic remains challenging, resulting in persistent charting gaps and high concern navigation risks. This paper introduces Community-Sourced Bathymetry , an approach engaging Inuit communities to conduct targeted, systematic bathymetric surveys using standard navigation instruments and applying basic hydrographic principles. Results from Inuit-led surveys demonstrate that the collected data compare favorably with historical Canadian Hydrographic Service single-beam echo sounder datasets still largely used in Arctic navigation products. By leveraging local presence and Inuit Traditional Knowledge, this approach provides a promising, scalable solution to enhance Arctic nearshore mapping, improve safety, and strengthen community involvement in hydrography.
