Big Data and Oceans Governance

This project is about the role of science and data in ocean management. The Big Data revolution is increasing knowledge about oceans and human impacts on them. This knowledge both fuels and is fueled by interest in development and conservation opportunities in oceans. Ocean data science initiatives (ODSIs) use new data and technologies to support work by government and non-government organizations to extend, reform and create new policies for ocean management. This project examines the role of ODSIs in improved ocean management, at global and regional scales, focusing on two key questions: 1) What kinds of new policies are possible based on knowledge generated by ODSIs? 3) How can ODSIs inform policies for ocean management in ways that that support environmental sustainability and human well-being? The project brings together an interdisciplinary team of human geographers, marine ecologists, geospatial data scientists and information scientists to conduct the research. It also engages