The Symposium will be held in Cartagena, Colombia, from 8-9 October 2026. It will bring together the global ocean community to exchange knowledge, inspire collaboration, and advance our collective understanding of the seabed and the ocean environment.
To find out more and how to register if attending in person, visit the Symposium web site.
Under this year’s theme, “From a Seabed Mapping Strategy to Global Ocean Action”, the Symposium will explore mapping progress, ocean governance, marine spatial planning, biodiversity protection, innovation, sustainable ocean management, and more.
The programme will combine strategic discussions, technical sessions, interactive workshops, and action-oriented outcomes aligned with the Ocean Decade and preparations for UNOC4.
Topics to be discussed will include:
- Seabed mapping: Progress and Remaining Gaps
- Data Gathering and Processing
- The Dilemma of Open Data
- Innovation Driving the Future of Ocean Mapping
- Mapping for Society and Sustainability
- And much more