Panel Sessions-Wednesday, September 25

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A2-A3

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 8:30 – 10:00 (ADT)

The rapid emergence of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) represents a pivotal shift in the global maritime industry, promising significant advancements in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. However, this technological evolution brings with it a complex web of regulatory, legal, and operational challenges. As autonomous maritime technology continues to develop, stakeholders from across the spectrum must grapple with the need to balance innovation with the principles of maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and compliance with international regulations.
This panel discussion, "Navigating the Future: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the Evolving Landscape of Regulation," brings together the views of key thought leaders and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of autonomous ships into the existing maritime framework. The session will offer a multifaceted perspective on how emerging technologies are transforming the maritime industry and the regulatory environment that governs it.

As the maritime industry stands on the brink of a technological revolution, this panel will offer a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trajectory of autonomous ships and their regulation. Attendees will gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives—ranging from technological innovators and legal experts to governmental analysts—on how to navigate the complexities of this evolving landscape. This discussion aims to foster a collaborative dialogue among stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for autonomous maritime operations.

Moderator:

Erik Heilman, Director of Government Relations, IEEE-USA

Speakers:
Nico Cymballist, CEO and Co-Founder, Clippership
Allison Skopec, Attorney, Vice Chair of the US Maritime Law Association's Committee on Autonomous Ships and Smart Marine Technology, Holland & Knight
Steven Rabinowitz, Senior Analyst, US Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A1

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 8:30 – 10:00 (ADT)

Sea Change: Sexual Violence and Response in the Marine Industry is a two-hour online course developed by NSCC in 2020 through the A'paqt Marine Training program. The course aims to address and prevent sexual violence within the marine industry, with an emphasis on creating safe and inclusive environments for women and Indigenous seafarers. It explores the impact of sexual violence on the sector and highlights the heightened risks faced by Indigenous women, who experience sexual assault at rates more than three times higher than non-Indigenous women. Given that women make up less than 5% of the global seafaring workforce, NSCC is actively recruiting female-identifying and Indigenous students for its marine industry programs.
In 2023-2024, with support from the TK Foundation, NSCC conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Sea Change course using feedback forms, focus groups, and an environmental scan of sexual violence prevention education across Canadian industries. Panelists will discuss the course's development, evaluation, and opportunities for advancing gender-based violence prevention in the marine industry

Speakers:
Lisa Mader, Researcher/Counsellor, Applied Research, Nova Scotia Community College
Michele Moore, Research Assistant, Applied Research, Nova Scotia Community College
Alain Joseph, Director, Applied Research, Nova Scotia Community College
Dan Basquill, Manager, School of Trades and Transportation, Nova Scotia Community College

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 202

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 8:30 – 10:00 (ADT)

By the year 2050, at least 50% of GHG emissions from shipping will be reduced — as mandated by the IMO. At the same time, the IMO has recognized underwater radiated noise (URN) from shipping as an unseen issue and must also be reduced. For years we've seen underwater noise levels rise due to shipping. However, due to its invisible nature and the challenges of measuring it, ocean noise has not been prioritized or even named as an issue.

This session, titled, Sound Advice: Understanding Underwater Radiated Noise for Oceanic Sustainability will explore the relationship between the technology being used to measure URN and the practical implication of this technology. Discover the latest research and strategic approaches designed to address a common goal. Our speakers will also cover the critical role of oceanic sustainability and how concerted efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions can go hand-in-hand with minimizing the impact of underwater radiated noise on marine ecosystems.

Panelists Mark Wood, CEO of Ocean Sonics, Justin Eickmeier from SLR Consulting, and Yi Chao, CEO of Seatrec will share their perspectives of designing the most advanced underwater technology and its implementation.

Moderator:

Jennifer Aftanas, Marketing and Public Relations Lead, Ocean Sonics

Speakers:
Mark Wood, CEO, Ocean Sonics
Justin Eickmeier, SLR Consulting
Yi Chao, CEO, Seatrec

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 201

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 8:30 – 10:00 (ADT)

The Oceans 2024 Halifax Conference and Exposition presents an exceptional opportunity to delve into the advancements and collaborative efforts in marine technologies through the lens of the International Marine Remote Operations Centre (ROC) Study Program. This initiative has been a collaborative effort involving key maritime stakeholders from the United Kingdom (National Physical Laboratory), Latvia (Freeport of Riga Authority), and Canada (Fisheries and Marine Institute of Newfoundland and Labrador), focussing on developing a unified, agnostic platform for ROC systems. The abstract provided here outlines the scope of the program, highlights from its series of international workshops, and the key objectives targeted through this multinational partnership.

The ROC Study Program was designed with the primary goal of strengthening international ties and fostering collaborative research among its participants. By enhancing the collaborative relationships and establishing durable partnerships, the program aims to set a new standard for future international cooperation in the field of advanced marine technology. One of the standout features of this initiative is its focus on developing global standards in ROC development and harmonization, promoting an industry-leading, agnostic pla􀆞orm that could serve as a global benchmark for ROC operations.

The program included a series of strategically planned workshops held in Plymouth, UK; Riga, Latvia; and Holyrood, Canada. These workshops facilitated crucial discussions on ROC system definitions, design characteristics, and integration strategies, essential for supporting safe marine autonomous operations. The Plymouth workshop, for instance, addressed the state-of-the-art ROC systems, focusing on virtual representation, data standards, and the adaptability of existing systems to new protocols. Meanwhile, the Riga workshop built upon the Plymouth discussions by aligning strategies and developing a unified system overview, crucial for the effective delivery of ROC technologies. The final culminating workshop at The Launch in Holyrood produced the framework essentials for a marine remote operation centre. These workshops not only demonstrated the advancements in regulatory frameworks but also encouraged international partners to align on common pla􀆞orms, facilitating the development of comprehensive frameworks and standards for ROC operations.

In addition to technical discussions, the ROC Study Program strategically focused on fostering business collaboration and innovation. By creating effective collaboration channels and promoting cross-border innovation and knowledge sharing, the program has laid a foundation
for commercial partnerships that are expected to drive further advancements in marine technology. This aspect of the program underscores the triple helix model of innovation, where industry, academia, and government collaborate to accelerate technological and regulatory advancements.

The Oceans 2024 Halifax panel discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the program's achievements, with insights from key project stakeholders and strategic advisors from the participating countries. The panel will discuss the tactical near-term actions taken by each country following the workshops, the challenges encountered in harmonizing ROC systems across different regulatory and operational environments, and the strategic path forward for international collaboration in marine technologies.

Overall, the International Marine ROC Study Program exemplifies the potential of collaborative, cross-border initiatives in advancing marine technologies and setting new standards for remote operations. The insights shared during the Oceans 2024 Halifax panel discussion will be instrumental in shaping the future of international maritime operations and regulatory frameworks, promising a future where technology, sustainability, and international cooperation converge to enhance marine operational capabilities globally.

Moderator:

Joe Singleton, Head, School of Ocean Technology, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Speakers:

Bethany Randell, Project Engineer, Centre for Applied Ocean Technology, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University

Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University

Dr. Paul Brett, Vice President, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, pro tempore

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Ballroom B3

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT)

Remote operations offer advantages such as removing humans from dangerous environments, but they also raise human factors challenges. Aspects that must be considered include cognitive factors, which relate to how operators process information and make decisions in a remote setting, and organizational factors which consider how remote operations impact team dynamics, communication, and overall organizational structure. Ergonomic factors will also be explored, focusing on the physical design of workstations and interfaces to ensure comfort and efficiency during safety-critical operations.

This panel will delve into the human perspective on remote operations in marine and offshore industries. It will feature insights and experiences from a diverse group of stakeholders, including operators who manage these systems on a day-to-day basis, system developers who design and implement the technology, researchers who study the implications and effectiveness of remote operations, and regulators who establish standards and guidelines. Emphasizing cognitive, ergonomic, and organizational factors, the discussion will highlight the benefits, challenges, and unforeseen impacts of transitioning to remote operations.

Moderator:

Amy Deeb, Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lloyd's Register Applied Technology Group

Speakers:

Andreas Marouchos, Advanced Engineering for Autonomy Lead, CSIRO

Tim Dunbar, Autonomous Operations Support, Lloyd's Register Applied Technology Group

Bethany Randell, Project Engineer, Centre for Applied Ocean Technology, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University

Captain Bill Mowitt, Director, NOAA UxS Operations Center

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A2-A3

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT)

Interoperability of standards and sensors across the ocean community is a long-held need, but this seemingly simple task is in reality a daunting challenge. Yet, this ambitious goal is achievable, with careful planning and phasing. The U.S. Interagency Working Group on Ocean Exploration and Characterization (IWG-OEC), under the auspices of the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) strategy, seeks to close gaps in understanding our ocean. This discussion builds upon the 2022 publication of the Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization of the US Exclusive Economic Zone, which organized thematic and geographic priorities across subject matter experts from federal agencies across five thematic areas. The IWG-OEC is now addressing data and sensor interoperability, leveraging multi-sector and multi-disciplinary interests and investments in partnership with authoritative government agencies. Aggregating data acquisition and processing commonalities across Federal agencies will help industry and academia make better choices for hardware/software integration that can address multidisciplinary needs with a higher return on investment. One primary end use goal of this effort involves wider utilization and adoption of identified best practices by federal agencies to, in turn, spur greater industry development of interoperable data and sensors.

The Townhall specifically seeks to provide one venue to gather relevant industry expertise on this subject. The IWG-OEC wants direct industry contribution to the ongoing interagency discussions of relevant protocols, data standards, and best practices that can facilitate improved acquisition and application of ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization (MEC) data. As industry builds or operates within different ocean basins and depth areas, there is a growing demand for a broader variety of sensors that can be easily interchangeable to meet multiple customer and client needs across the ocean community. Finally, the Townhall discussion will highlight an upcoming opportunity for industry and non-government partners to address needs (geographic and thematic) in the Western Pacific Islands, with hopes that industry will gain more awareness of these efforts.

Moderator:

Rachel Medley, Chief, Expedition and Exploration Division, NOAA Ocean Exploration

Speakers:

Rachel Medley, Chief, Expedition and Exploration Division, NOAA Ocean Exploration

Dr. Carol Kim, Knauss Policy Fellow, NOAA

Dr. Rob Thieler, Co-Chair of the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council, U.S. Geological Survey

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A1

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT)

Over the past year, multiple discussions, workshops and forums have been held focusing on challenges around effectively conducting ecological monitoring and mitigation campaigns for offshore wind using new technologies. This has included a workshop series sponsored by the US Department of Energy, and coordinated through the Technology Subcommittee of the Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative and the offshore renewable energy committee of MTS and a TechSurge and Tech Café hosted by RWSC/MTS at the NYSERDA State of the Science Workshop. The intent of this series of technology events is to address opportunities for monitoring within and around offshore wind facilities in support of regional science and regulatory priorities. A common theme and objective throughout all of these 2024 events is to engage the marine technology community. This town hall at the Oceans 2024 conference is a capstone event and discussion for this series of workshops and meetings. An expert panel will offer their unique perspectives in the application of marine technology to the advancement of offshore wind development. The main objectives will be to summarize the major outcomes of the workshop, share ongoing and future activities in Canada, and facilitate discussion with the audience on key gaps and next steps. Through this townhall we will engage the OCEANS community in a conversation that will gather input on action that can be taken in 2025 to foster opportunities for our community to address gaps identified by our panelists.

Introductory Remarks: Dr. Josh Kohut, Vice President for Education, Marine Technology Society / Professor, Rutgers University
Moderator: Joseph Brodie, Technical Director, AKRF

Speakers:

Ruth Perry, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions, Shell USA Inc.

Rob Beiko, Co-Founder, Dartmouth Ocean Technologies, Inc. & Professor, Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University

David Velasco, Business Development Manager for North America, NortekUSA

Laura Morse, Director of Strategic Programs, JASCO Applied Sciences

Jason Adelaars, Technical Project Manager, Synchro

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 202

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT)

How can we grow the Blue Economy through a diverse workforce? Join Oceans Advance for an interactive panel that will explore how best to implement the National Action Plan, a critical initiative focused on cultivating a culture and practice of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for Canada's ocean industries, ultimately supporting and growing Canada's ocean economy.

With insights from those at the forefront of its development and implementation, including Caron Hawco, the author of the National Action Plan, this panel will provide an overview of the plan and highlight why it is essential for the success of Canada's Blue Economy. Key members of the National Task Force – established to implement the National Action Plan – will share examples of how their organizations are already addressing the plan's objectives and why they view it as critical to their success. This session offers an interactive platform where both panellists and attendees will collaborate to shape the implementation of the National Action Plan. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the plan, insights into organizational efforts, examples of successful implementation, and the opportunity to actively contribute to the plan's successful execution

Moderator:

Shelly Petten, Executive Director, Oceans Advance

Speakers:

Caron Hawco, President & Lead Consultant, Caron Hawco Group

Richard MacLellan, Managing Director, Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd.

Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada's Ocean Supercluster

Leann Collins, Director, Projects & Stakeholder Relations, Association of British Columbia Marine Industries

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room TBD

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT)

Interoperability of standards and sensors across the ocean community is a long-held need, but this seemingly simple task is in reality a daunting challenge. Yet, this ambitious goal is achievable, with careful planning and phasing. The U.S. Interagency Working Group on Ocean Exploration and Characterization (IWG-OEC), under the auspices of the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) strategy, seeks to close gaps in understanding our ocean. This discussion builds upon the 2022 publication of the Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization of the US Exclusive Economic Zone, which organized thematic and geographic priorities across subject matter experts from federal agencies across five thematic areas. The IWG-OEC is now addressing data and sensor interoperability, leveraging multi-sector and multi-disciplinary interests and investments in partnership with authoritative government agencies. Aggregating data acquisition and processing commonalities across Federal agencies will help industry and academia make better choices for hardware/software integration that can address multidisciplinary needs with a higher return on investment. One primary end use goal of this effort involves wider utilization and adoption of identified best practices by federal agencies to, in turn, spur greater industry development of interoperable data and sensors.

The Townhall specifically seeks to provide one venue to gather relevant industry expertise on this subject. The IWG-OEC wants direct industry contribution to the ongoing interagency discussions of relevant protocols, data standards, and best practices that can facilitate improved acquisition and application of ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization (MEC) data. As industry builds or operates within different ocean basins and depth areas, there is a growing demand for a broader variety of sensors that can be easily interchangeable to meet multiple customer and client needs across the ocean community. Finally, the Townhall discussion will highlight an upcoming opportunity for industry and non-government partners to address needs (geographic and thematic) in the Western Pacific Islands, with hopes that industry will gain more awareness of these efforts.

Moderator:
Rachel Medley, Chief, Expedition and Exploration Division, NOAA Ocean Exploration
Speakers:
Rachel Medley, Chief, Expedition and Exploration Division, NOAA Ocean Exploration
Dr. Carol Kim, Knauss Policy Fellow, NOAA
Dr. Rob Thieler, Co-Chair of the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council, U.S. Geological Survey

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room TBD

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT) 

Over the past year, multiple discussions, workshops and forums have been held focusing on challenges around effectively conducting ecological monitoring and mitigation campaigns for offshore wind using new technologies. This has included a workshop series sponsored by the US Department of Energy, and coordinated through the Technology Subcommittee of the Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative and the offshore renewable energy committee of MTS and a TechSurge and Tech Café hosted by RWSC/MTS at the NYSERDA State of the Science Workshop. The intent of this series of technology events is to address opportunities for monitoring within and around offshore wind facilities in support of regional science and regulatory priorities. A common theme and objective throughout all of these 2024 events is to engage the marine technology community. This town hall at the Oceans 2024 conference is a capstone event and discussion for this series of workshops and meetings. An expert panel will offer their unique perspectives in the application of marine technology to the advancement of offshore wind development. The main objectives will be to summarize the major outcomes of the workshop, share ongoing and future activities in Canada, and facilitate discussion with the audience on key gaps and next steps. Through this townhall we will engage the OCEANS community in a conversation that will gather input on action that can be taken in 2025 to foster opportunities for our community to address gaps identified by our panelists.

Introductory Remarks: Dr. Josh Kohut, Vice President for Education, Marine Technology Society / Professor, Rutgers University
Moderator: Joseph Brodie, Technical Director, AKRF
Speakers:
Ruth Perry, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions, Shell USA Inc.
Rob Beiko, Co-Founder, Dartmouth Ocean Technologies, Inc. & Professor, Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University
David Velasco, Business Development Manager for North America, NortekUSA
Laura Morse, Director of Strategic Programs, JASCO Applied Sciences
Jason Adelaars, Technical Project Manager, Synchro

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 202

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT) 

How can we grow the Blue Economy through a diverse workforce? Join Oceans Advance for an interactive panel that will explore how best to implement the National Action Plan, a critical initiative focused on cultivating a culture and practice of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for Canada's ocean industries, ultimately supporting and growing Canada's ocean economy.

With insights from those at the forefront of its development and implementation, including Caron Hawco, the author of the National Action Plan, this panel will provide an overview of the plan and highlight why it is essential for the success of Canada's Blue Economy. Key members of the National Task Force – established to implement the National Action Plan – will share examples of how their organizations are already addressing the plan's objectives and why they view it as critical to their success. This session offers an interactive platform where both panelists and attendees will collaborate to shape the implementation of the National Action Plan. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the plan, insights into organizational efforts, examples of successful implementation, and the opportunity to actively contribute to the plan's successful execution

Moderator:
Shelly Petten, Executive Director, Oceans Advance

Speakers:
Caron Hawco, President & Lead Consultant, Caron Hawco Group
Richard MacLellan, Managing Director, Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd.
Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada's Ocean Supercluster
Leann Collins, Director, Projects & Stakeholder Relations, Association of British Columbia Marine Industries

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 201

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 (ADT) 

Information is the key to security in any area. In this panel a group of experts dive into the current situation of awareness and the Arctic Domain in Canada's North. Canadian companies have the capability to work with Canada's military to better understand the Arctic domain and the panel will explore some examples of these technologies as well as where Canada needs to focus going forward.

Moderator:

Chris Bourque, Executive Director, Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Ballroom B3

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 3:30 – 5:00 (ADT) 

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ocean industry represents a frontier of innovation with profound implications for marine exploration, conservation, and sustainable resource management. This proposed panel will delve into a diverse array of applied industry partnered research showcasing the transformative potential of AI in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the ocean sector in Atlantic Canada. Hosted by the DeepSense/COVE Digital Ocean Research Chair, the panel will include a diverse set of panelists from local startups, SMEs, academia, or other organizations involved in applied ocean AI research, development and deployment.

Panelists will briefly introduce themselves and summarize how their work in AI is contributing to the ocean sector. Discussion topics may include: future opportunities, barriers to AI adoption, recruitment and training of AI talent, ethics and AI bias, and the broader implication of AI-driven innovation for the ocean industry. Much of the panel will be left to audience questions and interactive discussion.

Moderator:

Chris Bourque, Executive Director, Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia

Speakers:

Catherine Evans, Remote Sensing Analyst, MERIDIAN, Dalhousie University

Jean Quirion, VP Research and Development, Innovasea

Sue Malloy, President, Glas Ocean Electric

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A2-A3

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 3:30 – 5:00 (ADT) 

Robust supply chains are essential to success in the offshore wind sector. Businesses with a long history of working in the offshore recognize that building trusted relationships with the prime or developer, as well as among multiple service and supply providers, promotes access to the infrastructure, facilities, equipment and the talent to get the job done safely, predictably and on time.

Moderator:
Anne-Marie Belliveau, Owner, Projectable Consulting

Speakers:
Alf Trower, Director of Business Development, Enginuity Inc.

Steven MacDonald, V.P., Renewable Energies, S.T. Hudson Engineers

Shayan Haque, Business Development Manager, Exail North America

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle A1

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 3:30 – 5:00 (ADT) 

The FCCQ and OCEANS are proud to invite you to this French-speaking segment, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec as part of Quebec's Policy on the Canadian Francophonie, with the support of the Government of Quebec, the Quebec Office in the Atlantic Provinces, and Investissement Québec. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided: please bring your headphones.

SCHEDULE
3:30 PM – 3:32 PM: Opening Remarks
3:32 PM – 4:15 PM: Maritime Ports – Challenges and Success Stories in Decarbonization (As engines of economic growth and international connectivity for centuries, maritime ports are at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change and contribute to a greener economy. By joining this panel, you will explore the key issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with port decarbonization: from the creation of green maritime corridors to projects that have allowed to successfully reduce the carbon footprint of ports in Canada.)
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: The Port Industry in the Age of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (In the era of digitalization, what does the future hold for port operations and process optimization? From human resource management to cutting-edge collaborative technologies that make river and maritime transport safer and more competitive, artificial intelligence in ports plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of shipping routes and minimizing wait times for handling goods and services. Join our panel to discover how the digitalization of port operations can greatly enhance their efficiency.)
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking reception with Canadian Francophonie (Please RSVP – Anglophones are welcome!)

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 202

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 3:30 – 5:00 (ADT) 

Indigenous communities have a profound connection with the oceans, where fisheries have sustained culture, economies, and ways of life for millennia. The modern fisheries and oceans sector present both challenges and opportunities for these communities, and this panel will explore the Indigenous involvement in this sector, focusing on sustainable development, cultural preservation, training and skills, and economic sovereignty. One of the primary challenges Indigenous peoples face is marginalization in decision-making processes related to fisheries management. Historically, policies have often overlooked Indigenous knowledge systems and rights, leading to conflicts over resource access and use. This exclusion not only undermines the rights of Indigenous nations, but also disregards their valuable traditional ecological knowledge, which is crucial for sustainable fisheries management. Another significant challenge is the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on marine ecosystems. Indigenous coastal communities are disproportionately affected by 2 these changes that threaten food security, livelihoods, cultural practices, and traditional territories. Finally, Indigenous peoples frequently face disadvantages in accessing training and skills development opportunities, and are hindered by socio-economic, cultural, and financial barriers. These obstacles limit their ability to engage in training within the fisheries and oceans sector. Additionally, the pathways to technical careers and leadership roles are often unclear, making it challenging for interested individuals to navigate their options. The delivery of training can also pose difficulties. Indigenous peoples hold significant untapped potential as leaders and innovators in the ocean economy. Building capacity and expertise is crucial for creating opportunities within their communities. Prioritizing increased access to training, education, and mentorship is essential for unlocking this potential and fostering growth in the sector.

Moderator:

Evan Carroll

Speakers:
Deborah Price, Executive Director, National Indigenous Fisheries Institute

Chelsey Karbowski, Director, ITSD Hub

Melissa Nevin, Director of Fisheries and Integrated Resources, Atlantic Policy Congress of First
Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC)

Where: Halifax Convention Centre, Room 201

When: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 3:30 – 5:00 (ADT) 

Leveraging sensing networks to understand the ocean is not a new concept. For example, the Global Drifter Program dates back to 1979. However, new innovations in IoT, edge computing, unmanned systems, and other technologies, as well as reduced size and cost of sensors, is revolutionizing the possibilities of using sensor networks to deliver real-time data about all kinds of aspects of ocean health.

Inclusion of these technologies in a variety of ocean and lake monitoring networks is providing new information to better understand ocean health, extreme weather events, and support early warning programs (e.g., for heat stress on coral reefs or for post-storm water quality changes). These long-term monitoring networks include real-time data from many different locations and from different types of sensors to provide a more complete and holistic picture of trends, enabling better decision making for protecting ocean health, coastal communities, and the blue economy.

In this panel, we will bring together leaders who have already established or contributed to a heterogenous ocean sensing network to share the scientific discoveries from their network, best practices, and their vision for the future of sensing networks.

Moderator:

Tosca Lichtenheld, Government Solutions Head, Sofar Ocean

Speakers:

Tim Kearns, Chief Information Officer, Great Lakes Observing System

Dr. Laura Fiorentino, Deputiy Chief Scientist, NOAA

Dr. Jason McKenna, Director of Research, Development, Testing, Evaluation and Training (RDTE&T), University of Southern Mississippi