APPG launches inquiry into the Future of Ocean Technology following visit to National Oceanography Centre
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Ocean has launched an inquiry into the Future of Ocean Technology. This inquiry will look into the emerging technologies which are essential to the work of the future of the ocean, and at the innovative and modern approaches to sustainable ocean technology and infrastructure.
This comes as the APPG visited the National Oceanography Centre, one of the world’s leading oceanographic institutions and pioneers in ocean technology, in Southampton. The visit, which had a specific focus on ocean technology, included a tour of the Marine Autonomous Robotics Systems (MARS) fleet and a discussion into the future of ocean technology with industry representatives at the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre.
The APPG for the Ocean is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers that seeks to provide a collective space where all parliamentarians can support and promote ocean research and awareness, to develop greater understanding of the ocean and its role in tackling challenges such as climate change, and to debate wider ocean issues. This inquiry is the APPG’s second since its launch in May 2022. Many of the key recommendations made in the APPG’s first inquiry into blue carbon and ocean-based solutions to climate change were echoed in the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.
This inquiry will run until Wednesday 12 July, and will cover Great Britain, Northern Ireland and all relevant overseas territories.
APPG Chair Sally-Ann Hart MP commented:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the APPG’s next inquiry into the future of ocean technology. This is an increasingly important topic into the future of the ocean, and looks at the innovative and modern technologies approaches that support better understanding and sustainable measurements. I am pleased that the APPG for the Ocean’s next inquiry focuses on such modern, sustainable and highly-advanced technologies that support better climate adaptation and resilience in the ocean.
It was a great experience to visit the National Oceanography Centre’s site in Southampton alongside the APPG, to see some of the world-leading ocean technology, such as marine robotics, in action! I look forward to working with National Oceanography Centre and other stakeholders supporting exciting and innovative technological ocean developments.”