Five ingredients to open seabed data

From marine conservation to climate resilience and blue economic growth, high-quality seabed data underpins many ocean-related decisions. It supports safer navigation, effective marine spatial planning, fisheries management, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. But without open, accessible data, many of these efforts risk being fragmented, duplicated, or left behind entirely.

As the race to complete GEBCO—the open-access global map of the seafloor—intensifies, participants at the 2025 World Ocean Summit & Expo came together for a dedicated “How To” workshop on shaping global standards for blue data, technology, and knowledge sharing. Sponsored by Seabed 2030, the session brought together experts from science, government, and industry to examine the key ingredients of open seabed data.

Ingredient 1: Multidirectional data sharing

Historically, data and technology have flowed in one direction: from well-resourced countries and institutions to others. Seabed data is no exception. However, as the panellists noted, the future must be built on multi-directional exchange. Rather than top-down transfers, future data-sharing frameworks should be co-designed and inclusive, allowing scientists, policymakers, local communities, and the private sector to all play an active role.

Panellists stressed the value of integrating local and Indigenous knowledge systems into global frameworks. These knowledge systems not only offer insights rooted in long-term observation but also help ensure that data collection aligns with local priorities.

Ingredient 2: More affordable and efficient mapping

One of the workshop’s most practical discussions focused on reducing the cost of seabed mapping. Panellists proposed two key solutions.

First, panellists discussed how a universal permit could help streamline mapping efforts across jurisdictions by removing administrative barriers that often slow or restrict data collection.

Second, panellists viewed the creation and maintenance of an open global seabed map, like GEBCO, as key to minimising duplication. Without access to shared data, scientists and industry actors often map the same areas independently, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

At the heart of any open seabed map is a commitment to data sharing. Panellists emphasised that fostering a culture of openness is critical to avoid redundancy and improve the quality, scale, and utility of available data. Several approaches were discussed to make data sharing part of the cultural norm. The Schmidt Ocean Institute was highlighted as a positive example: the organisation provides scientists with free access to its research vessel and onboard equipment, on the condition that all data collected is made publicly available as quickly as possible.

Ingredient 3: Collaborative efforts

Across the globe, collaborative approaches to seabed mapping are beginning to yield promising results. Workshop attendees pointed to how a “thinking global and several initiatives, including Seabed 2030, are embracing a “thinking global and acting local” approach. Collaborative efforts also include data partnerships and platforms, such as the Ocean Decade Alliance, a network created to mobilise support and resources for the UN Ocean Decade.

Equally, promoting mutual learning, shared access, and long-term engagement is essential. Panellists emphasised that strengthening ocean literacy is a vital part of this process. One suggestion was to expand blue economy and marine science curricula in universities and technical institutes, ensuring that future practitioners can access and apply seabed data effectively.

Panellists emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange between the Global North and South. They encouraged greater support for local innovation hubs, particularly in coastal and island nations. Rather than relying solely on short-term workshops, panellists suggested developing more sustained partnerships—creating opportunities for regional leadership in ocean mapping, investing in infrastructure, and enabling open, two-way knowledge, experience, and skills exchanges.

Ingredient 4: Standards and best practices

Vicki Ferrini, head of Seabed 2030’s Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regional Center, highlighted how data sharing is not only crucial for reducing the cost of seabed mapping but also for unlocking new insights from existing datasets. When shared and understood across disciplines, seabed data can support a far wider range of uses than initially intended.

To be truly accessible and widely usable, data must be accompanied by clear, interpretable metadata. Panellists discussed the importance of describing the whole data journey—from initial soundings to the end user, including capturing the different steps, decisions, and formats involved. Adopting standard frameworks, such as ISO metadata formats, was highlighted as one way to ensure clarity and consistency across projects and regions.

Ensuring the data is as multidisciplinary and relatable as possible was also seen as important. For example, the Ecological Benthic Unit project from ESRI uses the GEBCO grid to ecologically characterise the seafloor in ways relevant to multiple sectors. By designing data outputs that meet different needs, mapping efforts can deliver greater impact and avoid becoming siloed.

Panellists recommended grounding mapping strategies in region-specific needs. This includes assessing appropriate data resolution. Discussions also highlighted the need for mapping quality and data formats to align with intended end uses. They also emphasised the need to clarify data ownership, sovereignty, and use at the outset of any mapping initiative.

Ingredient 5: Embracing emerging technologies - and local communities

Emerging technologies such as AI-enhanced mapping, satellite-derived bathymetry, and autonomous systems offer exciting opportunities to accelerate seabed mapping. However, technology alone is not a silver bullet. Tools must be designed and deployed in ways that are accessible, cost-effective, and appropriate for local contexts.

That includes actively involving local and Indigenous communities. Panellists highlighted how community-led mapping initiatives, such as those involving fishers or small island states, generate valuable data and foster long-term stewardship of marine resources. Global mapping efforts can scale up quickly and affordably by collaborating with local fleets and vessels of opportunity, including research boats and fishing vessels. These decentralised approaches not only expand data coverage but also strengthen community ties to the work of ocean sustainability.

This story was written for Seabed 2030