Utilizing Ships of Opportunity for Enhanced Ocean Observation in the Global South

The ocean plays a critical role in regulating the global climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources such as food, energy, and transportation. However, vast areas of the ocean, particularly in the Global South, remain under-monitored due to limitations in funding, infrastructure, technological capabilities, and due to expensive instrumentation and operation. To address these challenges, the Helmholtz Innovation Platform SOOP (Shaping an Ocean of Possibilities) leverages science-industry collaboration to advance ocean observing and support sustainable marine resource management. SOOP, a collaborative initiative between the German Helmholtz Centers GEOMAR, AWI, and Hereon, focuses on developing cost-effective, user-friendly, and standardized measurement systems that can be deployed in diverse marine environments.

This initiative emphasizes the use of Ships of Opportunity to collect various oceanographic data, particularly in regions with limited observational capacity. By partnering with local stakeholders, such as fishermen, aqua culture farmers and coastal communities, SOOP aims to expand networks for collection of critical ocean parameters such as temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, and turbidity. The project prioritizes the use of low-cost sensors and plug-and-play systems that are easy to deploy, making it feasible for local partners to engage in long-term monitoring.

A key component of SOOP’s efforts in the Global South is its collaboration with other regional and international initiatives to address data gaps through training, capacity development, and the establishment of a dynamic measurement network. By integrating local expertise and resources, SOOP aims to enhance data quality and coverage while supporting socio-economic development through applications in fisheries, tourism, and aquaculture. These ongoing efforts are geared towards contributing to the growth of the New Blue Economy, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable ocean observation practices in close collaboration with sensor producers from the well-established SOOP network.

This presentation will outline our initial steps, ongoing collaborations, and future plans to expand SOOP’s impact in underrepresented regions, ultimately supporting informed decision-making in coastal management and climate resilience.