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.
Networking Friday with Zacharie Sohou (IRHOB)
On September 16th, 2022, 1-2 PM UTC, Dr. Zacharie Sohou will guide us through the relevant work at the service of development that has been developed by the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (Benin Fisheries and Oceanological Research Institute – IRHOB).
The Global Ocean Observing System and related activities in the Asia-Pacific region
On September 9th, 2022, 8-9 AM JST we will have a dedicated session on the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and related activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Karen Evans will present on Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), within a Global Ocean Observation System, to provide a better understanding of marine life to meet universal goals in sustainable development and conservation and Dr Sanae Chiba will present on the role of the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) as an intergovernmental organization established for promoting science collaboration in the North Pacific. Through the implementation of the UNDOS-endorsed programme, SmartNet, PICES is keen to expand its partnership network beyond the North Pacific and toward diverse communities. But can PICES mobilize the network to contribute to global biodiversity monitoring and how?
Azores Symposium on Advances in Ocean Observation
The “Azores Symposium on Advances in Ocean Observation” was held on Terceira Island in Angra do Heroísmo from 4 to 7 July, an innovative event where more than thirty international scientists and specialists in robotic methods of ocean observation, met to discuss innovative ways of advancing ocean knowledge.