RIO Acoustics: Developing the Latin American and Caribbean network for ocean acoustics and acoustical oceanography

(

Academic institution

)

#OceanAction42058

Description

Initiated in 2013, the IEEE/OES Acoustics in Underwater Geosciences Symposium (RIO Acoustics) has been connecting scientists, academics, students, industry representatives and other professionals from the Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC) in an international setting. The symposium fosters the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices on using acoustics to investigate underwater environments and ecosystems, from inland to deep-ocean floor, covering a broad spectrum of application, from marine geophysics to fisheries. In 2015, over thirty countries of which ten from LAC were present. We are currently pursuing the efforts by involving new LAC countries as well as increasing student and industry participation.
A new objective from 2017 onwards is to establish a network of acoustics researchers rooted in LAC and linked to the RIO Acoustics symposium. Its mission is to raise awareness on the importance of acoustics in ocean science and promote its sustained development in related fields and applications including in waterways. The network will involve LAC institutions, and leverage local funding and industrial partnerships worldwide to sustain mobility expenses of its members. Through the dissemination of sound scientific knowledge and increased participation to the symposium, the network is aimed to inspire young people of the Latin America and the Caribbean region to meet the global challenge of sustainable development of our oceans.

Partners

Université libre de Bruxelles (Academic institution), Universidade Federal Fluminense (Academic institution), IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, Acoustical Society of America

SDGS & Targets

Goal 14

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

14.1

By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

14.1.1

(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density

14.2

By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

14.2.1

Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas

14.3

Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels

14.3.1

Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations

14.4

By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics

14.4.1

Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels

14.5

By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

14.5.1

Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

14.6

By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

14.6.1

Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

14.7

By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

14.7.1

Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries

14.a

Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

14.a.1

Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology

14.b

Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

14.b.1

Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries

14.c

Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"

14.c.1

Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

SDG 14 targets covered

Name	Description
14.a	Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

Deliverables & Timeline

01 January, 1970