It is often said that we understand more about the surface of the Moon and Mars than we do about our own blue planet. Understanding the functions of the ocean – its biology, geology, physics, chemistry, topography, and genetics – is one of the last great frontiers of human exploration.

The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, and holds cultural and economic significant for millions of people. And yet it is under risk from climate change and other stressors. Pacific nations are among those worst hit from sea level rise, with some nations considering the digitisation of their cultural heritage as there sovereign country goes underwater.

With more than 75% of the ocean floor un-mapped, there is an opportunity for innovation in technology, data, robotics, AI, and machine learning to further contribute to this understanding, ultimately driving the best possible evidence-based decisions for how we use and value the ocean, now and for generations to come.