Harnessing private sector data for the Ocean Decade: Challenges and solutions

The health of the ocean is critical to the well-being of the planet, influencing climate regulation, oxygen production, and the livelihoods of billions of people. Despite the importance of ocean science, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the world’s oceans, hindering sustainable ocean governance. This article explores the role of the private sector in ocean data sharing, with a focus on the Bathymetry Data Sharing Guideline developed by the Ocean Decade Corporate Data Group. It highlights the need for private sector engagement in unlocking valuable ocean data, the benefits of data sharing such as data for decision making and ocean management, and the challenges that must be overcome to access privately held ocean data. By enhancing greater collaboration between the private sector and scientific community, this effort supports the broader goals of the United Nation Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) and Sustainable Development Goal 14 in promoting sustainable ocean stewardship.