ECOPs Blue Capacity Development (BlueCaD) Project

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.

Screenshot 2024-07-17 at 15.21.30
ECOP Programme coordinator and representatives are hosting a town hall at UNCO3 One Ocean Science Congress on June 4th, 2025 in Nice, France. Credit: Laura Khatib

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

In April 2024, our project were highlighted at the Ocean Decade Conference when Gabriel Akoko Juma gave a presentation on, “Cross-boundary training and capacity development for ECOPs as a tool for sustainable ocean observation and data management” (see image on left).The coordinators also participated in other events such as the DIGITAL TWIN of the Ocean and ECOPs satellite event where discussions sought to provide further opportunities to engage Early ECOPs in the DTO process.
 
In June 2025, BlueCaD was represented at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference and its’ special events. Anabel von Jackowski gave a presentation at the town hall “Capacity Development in the UN Ocean Decade ECOP Programme: successes, challenges, and ways forward” (see middle image) at the One Ocean Science Congress. Additionally, Anabel was also a panelist discussing “How ECOP Programme nodes helop support the ECOPs and promote Ocean science and knowledge around the world: real examples, needs, and challenges” in the European Digital Ocean Pavilion and moderated a UNOC side-event on the research vessel METEOR on “Bridging Ocean Realities: joining future perspectives from early career and established ocean professionals for the ocean we want” with a variety of international panelists and attendees, including Senegal, Morocco, Indoesia, and Europe (see image on right).

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 UNESCOOur 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

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Share Your Opportunities with Us!

Fill out the form and share the exciting opportunities with ECOPs.

Please note that we will not publish or disclose your personal details on our website. We will use these in case we would need to contact you regarding this opportunity you are submitting.

Details

Thanks for sharing this information with us! You have made a great contribution to support ECOPs from across the world in their studies, career and networking!

Share Your Opportunities with Us!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Share Your Opportunities with Us!

Fill out the form and share the exciting opportunities with ECOPs.

Contact Details

Please note that we will not publish or disclose your personal details on our website. We will use these in case we would need to contact you regarding this opportunity you are submitting.

Opportunity

Share Your Opportunities with Us!

Fill out the form and share the exciting opportunities with ECOPs:

Contact Details

Please note that we will not publish or disclose your personal details on our website. We will use these in case we would need to contact you regarding this opportunity you are submitting.

Opportunity

Optional

Share Your Opportunities with Us!

Fill out the form and share the exciting opportunities with ECOPs:

Contact Details

Please note that we will not publish or disclose your personal details on our website. We will use these in case we would need to contact you regarding this opportunity you are submitting.

Opportunity

Optional