Seabed 2030 will host two dedicated workshop sessions at Oceanology International 2026.

Taking place in the South Gallery, Room 13, participants are welcome to attend either session independently.

Morning Session | 10:00–12:30

Contributing to global seabed mapping

This session will highlight how Seabed 2030 partners and collaborators have contributed to increasing the proportion of the ocean mapped from 6% in 2017 to 27.3% today.

Speakers from Seabed 2030’s global partner network across industry, intergovernmental organisations, academia and mission-driven commercial operators will share practical perspectives on:

  • Data contribution and integration

  • Cross-border cooperation and data sharing

  • Corporate engagement through the Ocean Decade

  • Crowdsourcing and citizen science

  • The role of autonomous systems in expanding ocean mapping coverage

Afternoon Session | 14:00–16:30

Technologies enabling faster, more accurate seabed mapping

The afternoon session will bring together a panel of experts representing leading organisations across ocean technology, marine autonomy, subsea infrastructure, data management and training.

Discussion will focus on:

  • Emerging and state-of-the-art mapping technologies

  • Autonomous and uncrewed platforms

  • Data platforms and interoperability

  • Training the next generation of ocean professionals

  • The role of ocean mapping in sustained ocean observing

The session will begin with introductory remarks from our Head of Partnerships Stephen Hall, followed by panel insights and moderated discussion.