OT012
Low-cost and Scalable, Accessible Ocean Technology Enabling New Ocean Insights

Session ID#: 259738

Session Description:
Breakthroughs in hardware design, low‑power electronics, and rugged autonomous platforms are driving a new generation of accessible ocean observing systems that are affordable, persistent, and scalable. These advances are enabling scientists from a broad range of backgrounds to access areas of the world's oceans that have previously only been accessible to large well funded institutions. From low-cost full ocean depth cameras to swarms of autonomous surface vessels the field of lower cost ocean technology is rapidly growing.

This session aims to bring together engineers and marine scientists building and using low-cost, scalable and accessible ocean technologies to share their experience with the development and application of these emerging technologies. We invite cross‑disciplinary contributions on sensor and platform innovation, power management, adaptive networking, edge analytics, calibration and QA/QC workflows, as well as case studies and examples on how these technologies are being used in the field. Projects that empower small‑ island and developing‑state researchers, Indigenous communities, citizen scientists, and early‑career practitioners are particularly encouraged. By convening marine scientists and technologists—spanning exploration, modeling, and forecasting—and engaging policy stakeholders, this session will chart a roadmap toward a democratized, data‑rich future for ocean science.

Co-Sponsor(s):
  • Climate and Ocean Change -
  • Deep Sea Exploration -
Index Terms:

1635 Oceans [GLOBAL CHANGE]
4899 General or miscellaneous [OCEANOGRAPHY: BIOLOGICAL]
9805 Instruments useful in three or more fields [GENERAL OR MISCELLANEOUS]
Primary Chair:  Brian Kennedy, Ocean Discovery League, Saunderstown, United States
Co-chairs:  Anahita Laverack, Oshensail.Com, Plymouth, United Kingdom and Whitney Goodell, National Geographic Society, Pristine Seas, Washington, United States
 
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