The AIR Centre’s Executive Director, Miguel Miranda, participated in the International Conference on Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture (CIPAS 2025) in Luanda, Angola, showcasing the application of Copernicus Earth Observation data to enhance ocean monitoring and support fisheries operations in Angolan waters.
Organized by Angola’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources under the theme “Responsible Fishing and Sustainable Aquaculture: A Challenge, a Commitment, a Mission Uniting the Nation,” the two-day conference brought together national and international experts to foster dialogue on sustainable fisheries.
On November 5, Miguel Miranda presented “Integration of Copernicus Data into the INIPM Portal: Supporting Ocean Monitoring and Fisheries Operations” as part of the Science, Data and Ocean Monitoring panel. His presentation highlighted the AIR Centre’s collaboration with Angola’s National Institute of Fisheries and Marine Research (INIPM) to enhance ocean observation capabilities using advanced satellite data. He also promoted the sea state forecasting service supported by the AIR Centre, which provides real-time data on significant wave height, peak period, currents, temperature, salinity, and elevation for Angola’s coastal waters – essential parameters for safe and efficient fisheries operations. This service is now fully accessible via INIPM’s official portal.
By integrating Copernicus data into local monitoring systems, the AIR Centre is supporting Angola in strengthening its capacity for evidence-based fisheries management and ocean surveillance, bridging Earth Observation technology with practical applications for ocean sustainability.
The conference was opened by José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination, who emphasized Angola’s commitment to the National Development Programme 2023-2027 and the National Strategy for the Sea of Angola 2030, aligning with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050.
The AIR Centre’s participation in CIPAS 2025 reinforces its commitment to supporting sustainable ocean management and fostering international collaboration in marine science across the Atlantic basin.


Bridging the Atlantic: how the AIR Centre is building a new Portugal-Nigeria research cooperation
The AIR Centre led a three-day meeting in Nigeria between March 10 and 12, that brought together Portuguese research, industry, and diplomatic representatives in a series of engagements aimed at formalising and expanding cooperation with Nigerian institutions in ocean science, space technology, and blue economy development.
Atlantic Aquaculture Forum 2025 recap: revisiting key discussions from Terceira Island
Last November, the second edition of the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum took place on Terceira Island, in the Azores, bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners for two days of open discussions on the future of aquaculture in the Atlantic.
From Governance to Impact: AIR Centre represented the Atlantic & Arctic at the European Ocean Days 2026
The European Ocean Days 2026, held from 2 to 5 March in Brussels, brought together ocean science, policy, and innovation communities to take stock of progress and shape the future of Europe’s ocean agenda. Among the key voices at the event was Valerie de Liedekerke, Head of Ocean Policy & Stakeholders’ Engagement at the AIR Centre.