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Voyage of Discovery: Ocean Scientists Embark on a Transformative Journey

A new cohort of ocean scientists has embarked on an ambitious six-week expedition aboard the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, which set sail from Norway heading towards southern France. This voyage is not just an adventure; it encompasses profound learning and engagement with ocean science.

This initiative stems from the ESA Advanced Ocean Training Course, designed to equip these budding researchers with the skills needed to leverage satellite data for research, technological innovation, and sustainable practices. Participants are being groomed to become the future stewards and advocates of ocean science.

The significance of the oceans cannot be overstated. Covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, they store 97% of our planet’s water, underpin the livelihoods of over three billion people, and play a critical role in regulating the climate and maintaining biodiversity. As Peter Thomson, the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, pointed out, “There can be no healthy planet without a healthy ocean, and the ocean’s health is currently measurably in decline.”

It is particularly symbolic that this vessel departs on 22 April, coinciding with Earth Day 2025, a day marked globally to promote environmental awareness and action against climate change.

The Importance of Ocean Research

Craig Donlon from the ESA, who is also the expedition coordinator, emphasized the ocean’s critical role in global health, stating, “Covering 74% of Earth’s surface, oceans are dynamic ecosystems that significantly influence the wellbeing of our planet and all its inhabitants.” He highlighted the leaps in understanding of ocean science since the start of the satellite age, noting the urgent need to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change, rising resource demands, and increasing maritime traffic.

“With new high-quality satellite measurements available every few days, we are better positioned than ever to study and safeguard this vast blue ecosystem,” he said. “As a space agency, sharing this knowledge with the next generation of scientists is an essential responsibility, ensuring they are equipped and motivated to utilize satellite data for the benefit of our planet’s future.”

Aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl

The Statsraad Lehmkuhl has taken on board 50 students, more than 20 lecturers, and numerous ocean experts, along with over 40 citizen scientists participating in the research activities onboard. Christine Meyer, the Governing Mayor of Bergen, Norway, conveyed an inspiring message to the crew: “You will return home having changed the world just a little… armed with a cargo of knowledge essential in these times of climate change and environmental challenges.”

She further remarked on our current knowledge limitations about the ocean, stating, “It is often said we know more about the moon than about the deep sea. Thus, this journey symbolizes both adventure and the discovery of excitement for individuals and society alike.”

Learning and Collaboration

Over the course of the six-week journey to Nice, with scheduled stops in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Menorca, Spain, participants will delve into oceanographic studies through lectures and practical experience, including in situ measurements and real-time satellite data analysis. This experiential learning is designed to complement theoretical knowledge, enhancing the understanding of ocean dynamics.

The ship will reach Nice on 3 June, just days before the commencement of the United Nations Ocean Conference on 9 June, which aims to stimulate proactive measures for the conservation and sustainable management of the world’s oceans, seas, and marine resources, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14.

This training course is also part of a broader initiative known as the One Ocean Expedition, aimed at weaving together scientific exploration and education across the Northern Hemisphere’s oceans. The expedition’s overarching message emphasizes the need to acknowledge and share knowledge about the ocean’s crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

Participation in this venture signifies a timely and vital contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. ESA’s Director of Earth Observations, Simonetta Cheli, noted, “We are honored to contribute to the One Ocean Expedition. We genuinely hope that the training course participants maximize this unique opportunity, enhancing their skills and knowledge to propel the field of satellite oceanography forward.”

Support for ESA’s Advanced Ocean Training Course comes from various research institutions, including the Ocean Data Laboratory (France), the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (Norway), NASA (US), and others. This collective effort enables international students from beyond Europe to engage in this remarkable scientific expedition.

Source
www.esa.int