Ocean Data Gaps: Uncovering the Unknown - Ocean Central

To bridge these knowledge gaps, we must first assess the current state of ocean data, acknowledge its limitations, and explore how emerging technologies can help address them. By filling these gaps, we can unlock the potential to better understand, manage, and restore marine ecosystems.

A Glimpse Into the Past

Before modern sensors and computers, collecting ocean data was a much more laborious task, which led to greater inaccuracies and errors. “The data was often compiled in notebooks and, therefore, inaccessible beyond those able to page through them. Much of this data was being ignored or, worse, lost altogether,” says Carlos Duarte, chief scientist at Ocean Central and author of “Ocean: The Secret of Planet Earth.”

The Current State of Ocean Data

While we have advanced tools at our disposal, we are still facing some big challenges when it comes to ocean data. For instance, while we have decades of climate data, our understanding of marine ecosystems is still often fragmented, offering only snapshots rather than a complete history.

Some ecosystems, such as mangroves, have robust historical data, but others, such as coral reefs and salt marshes, are poorly documented, especially over the long term. These blindspots make it difficult to adopt a holistic approach to prioritize and focus efforts where they are most needed. 

This lack of continuity and consistency means that while we have a clearer understanding of some areas today, we still lack a full picture of past conditions and, crucially, have a limited ability to see where we are heading.

Closing data gaps is crucial for guiding policy, prioritizing conservation, and allocating resources efficiently. For instance, identifying coral bleaching hotspots helps direct restoration efforts, while pinpointing overfished areas supports policies to regulate fishing and ensure sustainability.

Restoration goals often aim to bring ecosystems back to their prior state of health. However, in the absence of accurate historical data providing baselines and a limited understanding of ecosystem regeneration pathways going forward, these goals can be difficult to translate into actionable plans. Indeed, without a clear understanding of the most vulnerable areas of our oceans, efforts to protect and restore them can be off-target or insufficient. The absence of reliable data makes it harder to track progress and make informed decisions regarding ocean management.

The Barriers to Comprehensive Data Collection

Filling these gaps in ocean data is not easy. Challenges range from financial constraints to geopolitical barriers. For instance, collecting data in exclusive economic zones often requires international cooperation, which can be hindered by conflicting priorities or resource limitations. 

On one hand, while satellite monitoring has improved access to ocean data for components that can be retrieved from surface optical signals, interpreting this information still requires specialized expertise. On the other hand, many ocean components of interest to track ocean regeneration are not monitored on a routine basis, leading to data gaps and inconsistencies.

Another hurdle is the absence of well-defined global targets for ocean health. “The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework operates in terms of relative, percent goals, but the absolute numbers these percentages refer to are not disclosed,” says Duarte. Without clear goals, it is difficult to determine which data gaps are the most urgent to address.

The Role of Emerging Technologies and Ocean Central's Vision 

Despite these challenges, emerging technologies and approaches offer hope for addressing ocean data gaps. AI, machine learning, and advanced satellite imagery transform our ability to understand both the past and present, while advanced monitoring and analysis of marine ecosystems help us build for the future.

At Ocean Central, we aim to leverage these technologies to create a dynamic ocean data platform that breaks down silos and unifies insights. By providing a user-friendly, centralized hub, we ensure that everyone involved — from scientists and policymakers to concerned citizens — has access to the same comprehensive information. This fosters collaboration and allows for a more cohesive global approach to ocean regeneration.

Beyond compiling existing data, our vision is to build an open, collaborative space — much like a “Wikipedia of ocean data” — where researchers, citizen scientists, students, and anyone passionate about restoring the ocean can contribute and expand a curated, validated base of knowledge. This shared resource will help accelerate progress toward our goal of regenerating the ocean by 2050.

Ocean Central is designed to evolve, integrating new information as it becomes available and adapting to the needs of the global ocean community.

Charting the Course for the Future

We have made progress, but ocean data remains incomplete. Bridging these data gaps is essential for advancing ocean restoration, promoting sustainable fisheries, supporting responsible shipping, and safeguarding the wellbeing of coastal communities. 

Global targets, such as the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 14 (Life Below Water), aim to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.” Specific targets, such as reducing marine pollution and ending overfishing, depend on accurate data to track progress and pinpoint where further action is needed.

New technologies and global collaboration will be key to closing existing gaps and working to regenerate our oceans — a mission Ocean Central is committed to supporting.

To learn more and get involved in ocean data projects, visit Connect.

Credits

• Data analysis by Mason Grimshaw and Peter Sherman
• Scientific contributions by Marcius Extavour