APPG briefed on role of AI in ocean research

The APPG for the Ocean was delighted to hold a very topical meeting on the role of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ocean research yesterday. We were delighted to be joined by Dr Clare Postlethwaite from the MEDIN Marine Environmental and Data Information Network , Jon Blower from the National Oceanography Centre and James Morgan from the The Crown Estate who kindly presented to parliamentarians on the important role that data and AI play, and the recent rapid advancements that have transformed ocean research.

With significant public focus on data sharing and the use of AI, we were delighted to ensure that the extensive benefits they bring to ocean research are fully harnessed and any risks are fully considered and mitigated. For example,  80% of our goods are transported by sea and 95% of global data goes via subsea cables. All of which rely on effective ocean research and data. Similarly, our ocean is one of our greatest resources against climate change, and experts in ocean research are advancing the application of AI for climate solutions such as supporting marine renewables and offshore wind. During our meeting we also covered a wide range of related topics, including ensuring data security, and the ways in which data mapping supports the creation of roadmaps to our climate objectives.

The UK continues to be world leading in ocean research and data collection. However, as the APPG for the Ocean outlined in our previous Inquiry into the Future of Ocean Technology, the Government must support sustainable, long-term funding for scientists carrying out ocean Research & Development and ensure the inclusion of marine data and AI in our national data objectives.