From 4-15 November 2024, Mediterranean Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) had the opportunity to participate in the IOC-UNESCO, OceanTeacher Global Academy, and ECOP Programme blended training on “Introduction to Oceanographic Survey Techniques and Data Management”.
The training began with a comprehensive week-long online course that introduced key concepts and set the foundation for hands-on learning and practice. Subsequently, participants engaged in an immersive in-person session hosted by AquaBioTech Group in Malta, where participants deepened their understanding of oceanographic survey techniques, explored innovative tools and projects supporting scientific research, and examined the quantification of various oceanographic aspects alongside the challenges and perspectives of ocean governance.
The in-person session was particularly impactful, providing a platform to engage with leading experts in the field while fostering connections among young professionals passionate about ocean preservation. The collaborative environment encouraged a valuable exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions aimed at bridging the gap between data science and ocean governance.
Participants worked on individual assignments and group activities, strengthening a sense of shared purpose.
A big thank you goes to the organizers (the ECOP Programme, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Stockholm University, AquaBioTech Group, International Ocean Institute, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Blue Economy at EMUNI University and UNESCO Ocean – OceanTeacher Global Academy) and partners for their tireless efforts in creating an enriching and collaborative training environment.
Special appreciation is extended to our instructors, Anabel von Jackowski and Gabriel Akoko Juma, for their guidance, expertise, and support, as well as to the AquaBioTech Group team, particularly Ines Boujmil, for warmly welcoming us and facilitating invaluable interactions with experts. Our thanks also go to Daniel Deppellegrin and Cosmin Nicolae Chivu for sharing insights from their respective fields and highlighting the importance of following a specific methodology to effectively communicate our concerns, whether in scientific research or to specific stakeholders, such as through policy briefs.
Lastly, heartfelt thanks to all the participants whose enthusiasm, diverse perspectives, and camaraderie made this experience both academically and socially rewarding. This training left us inspired and even more connected to the Mediterranean and the global oceanographic community.
Finally, a special thank you to Sofie De Baenst for her logistical support and facilitation!
Participants: Marie Faraut, Kahina Djoued, Michele Ivone-Formica Rodríguez, Sara Štefanić, Michelle Pingitore, Rustam Manurov, Hicham Akhattab, Nahla Zakariya Taher, Ahmed Elsharkawy, Giorgia La Mura, Francisco Acosta Cifuentes, Hamdi Ben Boubaker, Abir Gharbi, Salomé Zajbert, Lorenzo Acosta, Re’em Neri, and Sophia Laarissa.
Words: Sophia Laarissa
Video: courtesy of AquaBioTech Group