A new ocean portal has just been launched at the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference in Honiara. This platform aims to provide easy access to ocean and climate data for island nations and communities.
Designed with feedback from users over the past decade, the portal combines data from Pacific sources and international partners, such as the World Meteorological Organization and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. It aims to empower users with reliable, actionable information.
“The portal reflects 10 years of user feedback from the Pacific,” said Jens Kruger, Deputy Director for the Pacific Community’s Ocean and Maritime Programme. He emphasized that this tool shows the region’s technical skills and is tailored to meet the needs of Pacific decision-makers and communities.
The new Pacific Ocean Portal offers:
- Interactive maps and real-time forecasts
- Historical climate data and future projections
- Customizable dashboards for secure local data sharing
Deputy Secretary Karl Kuper of the Solomon Islands praised the launch as a sign of progress and collaboration. “This isn’t just a website,” he explained. “It informs coral reef protection, maritime safety, tourism, fisheries, and disaster preparedness.” By making complex data accessible, this portal aims to strengthen local responses to climate challenges.
Already introduced in 15 Pacific nations, the portal is being used by various groups:
- Fishers check conditions before heading out to sea
- Students and researchers visualize datasets and create maps
- Tourism operators and maritime authorities use the data for safer planning
- Policymakers access real-time data for informed decisions
Regional universities are incorporating this tool into their teaching, enhancing its educational reach.
Developed by the Pacific Community in collaboration with the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac), the project received technical and financial support from Australia and New Zealand. Kuper noted, “This reflects the resilience and creativity of the Pacific. It empowers our communities to tackle climate change.”
The portal is now available for free at oceanportal.spc.int, continuing its mission to serve the Pacific community. As of 2023, studies show that improved access to climate data can lead to better environmental decision-making and increased community resilience.
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Climate Change,Marine,Pacific Ocean,Solomon Islands
