Future Projections of Ocean Knowledge from the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute Spanning Over Six Decades
Portuguese Hydrographic Institute Embraces a Future of Ocean Science
The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute (IH) is a research institution with a rich history and a bright future, playing a central role in ocean sciences. With a staff of 300, equally divided between military and civilians, IH is dedicated to hydrography, seabed mapping, marine spatial data, and supporting marine navigation safety.
IH's vision is "to be a reference research center in ocean sciences." This ambition is reflected in its active contributions to global hydrographic standards, such as the S-100 and S-57 frameworks, which enhance safety of navigation, maritime security, economic development, and marine environmental protection.
In line with global ocean sustainability initiatives, IH aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), and the Integrated Maritime Policy of the European Union. By advancing ocean knowledge, improving marine spatial planning, and enhancing maritime safety and environmental protection, IH is making a significant impact on ocean sustainability.
Key aspects of IH’s role and future plans include:
- Hydrographic Services and Standards: IH is committed to developing and implementing global hydrographic standards to ensure harmonized data infrastructures essential for maritime spatial planning and blue economy activities.
- Supporting Sustainable Ocean Use: IH’s hydrographic mapping and marine data provision support multifunctional spatial planning, balancing renewable energy, resource extraction, food production, and transport alongside ecosystem conservation.
- Engagement in Global and European Ocean Science Initiatives: Portugal, through institutions like IH, participates in global efforts such as assessing ecological impacts of ocean-based climate solutions and contributes scientific data for evidence-based policy decisions related to ocean carbon cycles and climate mitigation.
- Future Development in Maritime Security and Technology: IH is involved in advancing maritime unmanned systems and seabed security technologies to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
- Contribution to International Research and Policy Forums: IH’s activities align with international research platforms and conferences that integrate multidisciplinary marine science approaches to address ecosystem changes and societal needs.
Beyond these core areas, IH is also involved in various programs under its three main themes: Ocean Mapping, Observation, and Forecasting. The MONIZEE Program, for instance, is an integrated observation system based on an operational monitoring network of the marine environment. Similarly, the PREVOCEANO Program develops an oceanographic forecasting system to support marine and coastal environment managers.
IH aims to operationalize national strategies and strengthen international relations, seeking partnerships, especially within the Atlantic and CPLP countries. It is integrating its current observation systems into European and global observation networks, as well as networks for specific purposes.
As we celebrate the first year of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the 100th anniversary of the International Hydrographic Organization, IH looks forward to its future as a leveraging factor for ocean sciences in Portugal. Portugal's future is inseparable from the marine environment in its scientific, environmental, economic, and political aspects. IH's commitment to integrated ocean science supporting sustainable development is a testament to this reality.
- The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute (IH) is actively contributing to global hydrographic standards like S-100 and S-57, which are crucial for safety of navigation, maritime security, economic development, and environmental protection.
- IH's vision is to be a leading research center in ocean sciences, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
- IH is dedicated to hydrography, seabed mapping, and marine spatial data, aiming to harmonize data infrastructures for maritime spatial planning and blue economy activities.
- IH's hydrographic mapping and data provision support multifunctional spatial planning, balancing renewable energy, resource extraction, food production, and transport with ecosystem conservation.
- IH is involved in advancing maritime unmanned systems and seabed security technologies to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
- IH's activities align with international research platforms and conferences, focusing on integrating multidisciplinary marine science approaches to address ecosystem changes and societal needs.
- IH is part of various programs under its three main themes: Ocean Mapping, Observation, and Forecasting, including the MONIZEE Program, which is an integrated observation system based on an operational monitoring network of the marine environment.
- IH aims to operationalize national strategies and strengthen international relations, seeking partnerships, especially within the Atlantic and CPLP countries, and integrating its observation systems into European and global observation networks.
