It is estimated that only about 5 per cent of the ocean has been explored by mankind. The vastness of the ocean, as well as the associated costs of chartering vessels and deploying technologies to collect data over time, have limited the scope of marine research.

Meeting the rising demands of a growing population may require greater extraction of resources from the ocean. One area in which ocean resources may be most valuable is in seabed minerals. Deep-seabed deposits contain a high concentration of minerals such as cobalt, copper and nickel. As the world looks to a low-carbon future, raw materials such as these will be able to power batteries and replace fossil fuels.

Responsible stewardship of this common and understanding how the ocean is changing requires extensive data. Ocean-based industries can collaborate with the United Nations in marine data collection through strong partnerships and sharing of knowledge. The UN Decade of Ocean Science will be a key framework for mapping the ocean.

Mapping the ocean and sharing insights represents a tipping point for fostering a sustainable and productive ocean. Mapping the Ocean is one of the UN 5 tipping points for a healthy and productive ocean by 2030.