ECOPs Blue Capacity Development (BlueCaD) Project
Table of Contents
Background
The Blue Capacity Development (BlueCaD) project builds skills for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) in ocean data generation, management, and communication. Through targeted training, the project supports science-based decision-making and sustainable ocean development. BlueCaD focuses on inclusivity by engaging ECOPs from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, helping reduce barriers and foster innovation across ocean regions. The project contributes directly to UN Ocean Decade Challenges 7, 9, and 10 by strengthening capacity, knowledge, and ocean observation systems.
Objectives
Blue CaD aims to support “the ocean we want” by equipping ECOPs with practical skills in ocean data and information management.
Key objectives:
- Deliver short courses on data collection, management, and science communication (online and in-person)
- Provide hands-on shipboard training in ocean observation and data practices
Activities
Our activities focus on delivering blended technical training in Remote Sensing, GIS, R, Python, and Ocean Data View in collaboration with our partners. Training is grounded in oceanographic (physical, chemical, and biological) and ecological datasets, including fisheries, enabling participants to apply skills in relevant contexts. Courses equip ECOPs with practical competencies in data processing and management aligned with FAIR principles, as well as visualization using open-source tools. Participants also develop skills in scientific writing and science communication, with guidance on presenting their work to policymakers, industries, communities, and the public through reports, policy briefs, and visual materials such as infographics.
Beyond training, BlueCaD supports knowledge sharing and outreach through additional initiatives. These include the GenSea podcast, which highlights perspectives and experiences from the ocean community, and the development of practical “recipes” via GitBook to provide accessible, step-by-step guidance on tools and workflows introduced in the courses.
The project is also actively represented at international conferences and events, where team members contribute to discussions on capacity development, ocean data, and the role of ECOPs in the UN Ocean Decade. Through presentations, panel discussions, and participation in global forums such as the Ocean Decade Conference and the UN Ocean Conference, Blue CaD helps shape dialogue, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration across the ocean community.
Past training activities
The Blue Capacity Development (BlueCaD) Project provides training opportunities for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) to learn generation, sharing and management of ocean data and information, for science and sustainable development. The ECOP Programme has been running trainings since 2022. Learn more below:
This was an introductory course for African Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) leveraging the use of ocean colour remote sensing as a tool for marine environmental protection and conservation.
Number of participants: 14
Learn more: Africa Ocean colour data analysis report
This course served as an introduction to R programming language and software environment (RStudio) for data exploration, cleaning, organizing, analysis and visualization.
Number of participants: 50
The course targeted ECOPs from Asia, and served as an introduction to R programming language and software environment (RStudio) for ocean data analysis.
Number of participants: 62
Learn more: Asia data analysis with R course report
This course introduced learners to the Python programming language and software environment.
Learn more: Central America online course report
Number of participants: 32
This online and in-person course on data collection through marine sampling was held in Malta at AquaBioTech Group. Along with IOC-UNESCO’s OceanTeacher Global Academy and the ECOP Programme, partners included Stockholm University, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, AquaBioTech Group and the International Ocean Institute, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Blue Economy at EMUNI University.
Number of participants: 17
Learn more: Introduction to Oceanographic Survey Techniques and Data Management report
This blended course was part of the project tracks, during the COES-WIO Summer School. It introduced learners to ecological data collection techniques, data processing, and analysis.
Learn more: Introduction to Ecological Survey Techniques and Data Management course report.
Read the blog from participants of the first blended course in Malta and watch the video below made by AquaBioTech Group.
Ongoing and Upcoming activities
- Generation Sea (GenSea)
- BlueCaD Cookbooks: Practical guides for ocean data and tools
- Training on “From Sampling to Sharing: Full Cycle Ocean Data Management for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs)” at WCMB 2026
Other activities
Participation in the UN Conferences
Generation Sea (GenSea) podcast
Our team manages the Generation Sea (GenSea) podcast, which was launched at UNOC3. Podcasting is a fairly accessible way to communicate science and bring more awareness to the UN Ocean Decade from and for ECOPs. Our central theme is “GenSea is you!” The podcast is available on all popular apps (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, and AntennaPod) and on the designated website https://gensea-podcast.podigee.io/. We also have a designated social media page with updates on Instagram (@gen.sea.podcast)
Meet the Team
Dr. Gabriel Akoko Juma, Postdoctoral Researcher, Course Coordinator
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Anabel von Jackowski, Postdoctoral Researcher, Course Coordinator
University of Stockholm
Eva Rohlfer, PhD Student, Podcast Coordinator
University of Helsinki
Dr. Rhea Thoppil, Course Coordinator
Main stakeholders and partners
Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA) of the IOC UNESCO – Our main partner is OTGA. The organization delivers customized training for ocean experts and professionals to increase national and regional capacity in coastal and marine sciences, services and management. It hosts the e-learning courses, and provide pedagogic and administrative support during implementation of the training activities. It also supports some of the on-site courses.
The Decade Coordination Office (DCO) for Ocean Data Sharing (ODS) Another partner of ours is the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) for Ocean Data Sharing (ODS). The specialized hub coordinates the Ocean Decade Data and Information Strategy, ensuring that all data generated is high-quality, interoperable, and strictly adheres to FAIR, CARE, and TRUST principles
