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 BioCaribe, Colombia
Marine Biodiversity Networking Fridays
On November 12th, 2021, 1-2 PM UTC, we will have our first Marine Biodiversity Networking Friday, which will be brought to you by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and the AIR Centre. This session, MBON and the organization of a global community for the Ocean Decade: Priorities, benefits, and co-design strategies, will engage participants in the design of the Marine Life 2030 Ocean Decade program, including a request to contribute to the leadership of themes and tasks.
Networking Friday on the Bioeconomy Mission in Colombia
On October 8th, 2021, 1-3 PM UTC, a fantastic panel will present and discuss the Bioeconomy Mission in Colombia, which was launched in December 2020, being the country’s first mission-oriented research policy in Colombia. The main goal of the Mission is to promote the socioeconomic development of the country, from and for the regions, through the efficient and sustainable management of biomass, biodiversity and its ecosystem services for the generation of products and processes with high added value through science, technology and innovation.