Public & Private Sectors to Advance Ocean Observing By Laura Stukonytė, IOC-UNESCO; Emma Heslop, IOC-UNESCO; Zdenka Willis, Marine Technology Society; Peer Fietzek, Kongsberg Maritime “Pulling in new participants from the private sector is key to accelerating the development of the ocean observing system across its value chain,” — Emma Heslop, Acting Office Director, Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Until now, vital ocean observing activities that underpin human safety, marine health, blue economies, and sus -tainable development have largely been managed by the scientific sector and pillared on public projects. But today, private companies are stepping into the field with promising opportunities for a blue data revolution and an alternative path for early career ocean professionals. Our societies rely on ocean observations and services every day. Yet, the importance of the whole ocean observing value chain—from data collection to user services—is not universally recognized. This builds a barrier to growing the “Ocean Enterprise”. Not only do ocean data feed hazard warning systems, climate and weather models, and inform policymakers—they also play an increasingly important role in national economies and sustainable ocean management. Fisheries, transportation, offshore energy, and tourism industries all form part of the blue economy, which is predicted to reach $3 trillion by 2030 (OECD, 2016). However, to maximize the potential of our blue economies, a step change is needed in ocean observing. “Today, ocean observing activities mostly rely on public funding. This current funding model will not be sufficient to expand a sustained ocean observing system to meet the growing demands for ocean information,” says Zdenka Willis, Immedi -ate Past President of the Marine Technology Society (MTS). “Pulling in new participants from the private sector is key to accelerating the development of the ocean observing system across its value chain,” adds Emma Heslop, Global Ocean Observing System’s (GOOS) Acting Office Director. Fortunately, private companies are increasingly open to collaboration—and this connection has a massive potential that can benefit both sides. 68 eco OCEAN OBSERVATION 2023