Scientists from 45 countries are working together to harmonize the collection of scientific data on the ocean through a new IAEA technical cooperation project. (Photo: P. Bersuder/IAEA)
The IAEA supports countries to better understand the ocean by developing networks of marine experts, facilitating regional knowledge exchange and harmonizing analytical and field procedures.
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This new project, launched in 2024, harnesses nuclear science to gain a more comprehensive understanding of ocean health. The multifaceted project fosters evidence-based decision-making by building capacity in the sampling, analysis and interpretation of ocean acidification and ocean pollutants, including biotoxins, mercury, radioactive pollution, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oil spills.
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The IAEA, through its Marine Environment Laboratories, ensures that countries have the knowledge and tools they need to generate valuable information about ocean health. Through a series of IAEA technical cooperation programme workshops and capacity building activities, experts from around the world have already begun discussing harmonizing data collection procedures and sampling strategies, so that a broad range of ocean data is comparable for analyses.
“We have seen the benefits of a collaborative and international approach to ocean monitoring. We must remember that the ocean is a shared natural resource, and data collected by one country or region can give others insight into emerging challenges. The new global IAEA technical cooperation project hopes to leverage this by scaling up the scope of the IAEA’s previous ocean monitoring efforts and facilitating more extensive international cooperation,” said Petra Salame, IAEA Programme Management Officer.
At the recent United Nations Ocean Conference, UN Secretary General António Guterres acknowledged an urgent need for action to “turn the tide” on ocean conservation. Although there is mounting concern over ocean health, a lack of accurate scientific data on ocean deterioration is preventing well-informed decision-making on ocean issues. With support from the IAEA’s research and development activities and its technical cooperation programme, countries around the world are filling this gap by building expertise in ocean monitoring. From tracking key indicators of ocean health – such as marine pollutants, harmful algal blooms, and ocean acidification – to researching blue carbon, new data is helping improve ecosystem management.
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Addressing Ocean Acidification
Using nuclear techniques, scientists in Colombia and Cuba have been able to gather key data on minimizing and addressing ocean acidification through the Regional Observatory on Ocean Acidification. This data has provided a valuable contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘Life Below Water’) reporting. The Regional Observatory, established in 2020 with the support of the IAEA, is part of the REMARCO Network, which enables the collaboration of 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to address marine challenges using nuclear techniques.
Melissa Evans, IAEA, 7 July 2025. Full article.
