OI 2016: Marine Technology and Services Sector Role in The ‘Blue Economy’
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OI 2016: Marine Technology and Services Sector Role in The ‘Blue Economy’

The ‘Marine Technology and Services Sector Role in the Blue Economy’ day-long conference at Oceanology International 2016 (OI 2016, in the ExCeL conference centre in London, UK) on 15 March 2016 will explore the latest trends in ocean observing, viewed through the lens of the ‘Blue Economy’.  By means of a series of presentations drawn from a record number of abstracts, this programme will help attendees evaluate their own ocean science, technology, and economic activities through new perspectives and identify key trends that will influence future developments.

This conference programme includes distinguished keynotes, two focused panels and an international roster of speakers.  Like all OI conference sessions it is free-to-attend. Free online registration is available at the OI 2016 website.

Advancing technology is allowing marine scientists to work with the ocean in ways that were previously impossible, which will lead to an exponential growth in the economic value of the sea.  That development will be a significant growth factor in the global economy, but only if done right, ‘right’ meaning a balance of economic growth, with responsible stewardship based on science and information derived from ocean monitoring and observing. 

Adding Value

Tim Moltmann, director of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) has been announced as the keynote speaker who will set the context of how a national ocean observing system is providing value locally, regionally, globally and underpins the ‘Blue Economy’.

IMOS is entering its second decade of operations, and while established under an Australian Government research infrastructure program to deliver ocean observations to marine and climate scientists, its open-data approach is translating into broader use of data streams including for operational uses and applications.  Further, the two panels will look at the topic of the ‘Blue Economy’ from the perspectives of the ocean observing networks and also from new technologies provided by industry.

De OI 2016 organisers have worked with Zdenka Willis, director, U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Program, and Justin Manley, Founder of Just Innovation LLC, to create this conference stream. This resulted in a programme which is highly topical and a ‘must-attend’ session of interest to our broad exhibitor and visitor base.  

Down to detail

Following opening remarks from Zdenka Willis, keynote speaker IMOS Director Tim Moltmann will take to the lectern to deliver ‘From observation to impact – an Australian perspective on development of the Blue Economy. Eric Comerma, Director International Services, RPS ASA will follow with ‘Operational data management in support of search & rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea’, after which a panel session ‘Ocean observing systems – focus on the Blue Economy will involve four panellists.

 

The four panellists are Liesl Hotaling, president, Eidos Education; Tony Knap, director, GERG, Texas A&M University and executive director, POGO; Martin Visbeck, professor in Physical Oceanography, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel & Kiel University; and John Breslin, general manager, SmartBay Ireland.

Fixed-point Ocean Observations

Following a break for visiting the exhibition and networking, the early afternoon session will begin with Luisa Cristini, project manager, National Oceanography Centre considering ‘Costs and benefits of multidisciplinary fixed-point ocean observations. The second panel of the day will then discuss ‘Instrumentation for ocean observing’. The six international panellists are Julian von Borries, technical director, HYDRO-BIOS Apparatebau; Carmem-Lara Manes, director R&D, Microbia Environnement; Peer Fietzek, manager Science & Research, Kongsberg Maritime Contros; Oliver Ferdinand, researcher, University of Oldenburg; Mary-Lou Tercier-Waeber, senior scientist, University of Geneva; and Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, associate professor, Politechnic University, Bucharest.

Their 70 minute discussion will be followed by a presentation on ‘Ocean pH measurement: An in situ microfluidic’ by University of Southampton PhD student, Tianya Yin.

The final session of the day sees three strong presentations, the first from Rob Smith, managing director, Fugro Global Environmental and Ocean Sciences Inc on ‘Remote Ocean Current Imaging System’; this is followed by ‘Project Azul: An ocean observing system focused on offshore O&G operations’ by PROOCEANO’s general manager, Mauricio Fragoso; and the final presentation by Caroline Acton, Metocean business development manager, Met Office is on ’Seasonal forecasting: an innovative system to ensure safe and efficient marine activities within a Blue Economy’.  Following the 10-minute wrap up, it’s time for all attendees to join the networking evening on the exhibition showfloor.

 

 

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