Technology acts as a bridge between the fishing industry and oceanographic research, demonstrating how fishers are key contributors to ocean observation. By leveraging fisher’s tools, from networks of smart drifting buoys to vessel-based sensors, scientists access robust, real-time data, with implications for research, evidence-based policymaking, marine pollution mitigation, and ocean conservation under SDG14.

Participants in this side event include regulators, research institutions, global NGOs, technology providers and fishing industry associations across all major oceans and continents, illustrating how cross-sectoral partnerships pave the way for data-driven sustainability in the blue economy, particularly benefitting ocean-dependent Small Island Developing States (SIDS).