Latest APPG for the Ocean meeting focuses on Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play a vital role in ocean research here at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC).

These are the themes we explored during the latest?meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group APPG for the Ocean , which took place earlier this week. During the meeting, we explored the vital role data and AI play in ocean research, marine management and decision-making, discussing both opportunities and risks.

Our ocean is both an integral part of the climate system and a source of potential solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing humanity. Experts in ocean data and research are advancing the application of AI to enable climate solutions such as supporting marine renewables, particularly offshore wind. During our meeting we also covered a wide range of related topics, including ensuring data security, and the ways in which data supports the creation of roadmaps to our climate objectives.

The speakers included our Associate Director for the Digital Ocean, Jon Blower , Clare Postlethwaite representing MEDIN Marine Data and James Morgan from The Crown Estate .

At the NOC we’re committed to using the best data and developing technology to use these?data most effectively to enable world-class research and deliver value to society. Jon explained how this work takes place within the NOC. ?

MEDIN is hosted by the NOC and is a partnership of UK organisations committed to improving access to UK marine data.? Clare highlighted how MEDIN’s comprehensive approach towards marine data management positions it as a key contributor to the development of a national data library.

The Crown Estate manages a diverse portfolio of rural land, the seabed and urban real estate. They are an independent business sitting between the public and private sectors. James explained the role data and AI plays in Crown Estate’s efforts to manage?the?seabed on behalf of the UK.

We thoroughly enjoyed the discussion and a chance to address questions from parliamentarians and stakeholders present at the meeting.