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.
Ocean Exploration, Ocean Science, and Ocean Technology: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
On June 8, 2021, 2:00-4:00 PM UTC, we will commemorate the World Ocean Day with a unique panel led by Alan Leonardi, former Director of NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Program and current President and CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, which represents the leading American ocean science, research, and technology organizations from academia, industry, and the larger nonprofit sector, in shaping the future of ocean science and technology and in setting the ocean community up for success.
The central topic will be the past, present and future of ocean observation and how it will contribute for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water and for delivering greater benefits for both the ocean ecosystems and for society within the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030.
Networking Friday with Isa Elegbede (BTU)
On June 11th, 2021, 1-2 PM UTC, Isa Elegbede, Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Cottbus, Germany, discussed how to integrate approaches in seafood certifications through socio-ecological and technological inclusiveness in the Blue Economy. The moderator was Ife Okafor-Yarwood is a Lecturer in Sustainable Development at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews.
Networking Friday with ASTRAL
On May 28th, 2021, 1-3 PM UTC, we will have a very special Networking Friday with ASTRAL (All Atlantic Ocean Sustainable, Profitable and Resilient Aquaculture), which is a HORIZON 2020 project financed under the Blue Growth programme, and is led by the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE). The project will contribute to the implementation of the Belém Statement to develop a strategic partnership on marine research and it will participate in building the All Atlantic Ocean Community.