Paris, 14 December - Lack of funding is hampering the development and implementation of marine research and its valuable applications, according to the Second Global Ocean Science Report, published by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), ahead of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

Until now, vital ocean observing activities that underpin human safety, marine health, blue economies and sustainable development have largely been managed by the scientific sector, and pillared on public projects. But today, private companies are stepping into the field with promising opportunities for a blue data revolution, and an alternative path for early career ocean professionals.