Chief Scientist Dawn Wright Brings Spatial Insight to Ocean Business Community

—Esri has joined the ocean business alliance World Ocean Council (WOC) and will support its international initiatives for sustainable development and conservation of the ocean. Esri chief scientist Dawn Wright will share her geospatial expertise with WOC's Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) and Ocean Science working groups. Esri is the world leader in GIS.

"Geospatially referenced information is critical to addressing environmental challenges in the fluid, dynamic, interconnected marine world," said Paul Holthus, executive director, WOC. "Esri provides tools, technology, and innovation that support the responsible use and management of ocean space and resources."

WOC members are oil and gas, seafloor mining, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore renewables companies. Esri is leading the way for information technology participation in WOC.

"Esri president Jack Dangermond and I are very excited that Esri is now a member of the World Ocean Council," said Wright. "It is the best means we have seen to date for the global ocean business community members to work together and achieve synergies and economies of scale in tackling shared challenges."

WOC develops and implements programs that improve the science, data, and maps needed to address the challenges of sustainable ocean use. For example, WOC helps ocean organizations understand and participate in geospatial activities that support robust ocean use maps. In addition, WOC has launched the Smart Ocean/Smart Industries program, which will increase the number and types of industry vessels and oceans platforms that collect georeferenced ocean, climate, and weather data.

"Esri's alliance with the World Ocean Council and participation in its working groups will help us advance our Ocean GIS initiative," said Wright. "The success of the council's programs and objectives requires spatial thinking, data, and methods. GIS will play a key role in meeting sustainability objectives and developing international ocean policy."

Esri has invited WOC to participate at the Esri International User Conference in San Diego, California, July 23–27. Holthus will introduce Esri clients and partners to this unique ocean leadership alliance in presentations at the conference's Oceans Special Interest Group meeting and at the Environmental Showcase demo theater.

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About the World Ocean Council (WOC)

The WOC is the only international, cross-sectoral alliance for private-sector leadership and collaboration in "Corporate Ocean Responsibility." Companies and associations worldwide are distinguishing themselves as leaders in ocean sustainability and stewardship by joining the WOC. Members to date include over 35 leadership organizations from a wide range of ocean industries: oil and gas, shipping, seafood, tourism, ocean technology, maritime law, marine environmental services, and other areas.

Contact Paul Holthus at +1-808-277-9008 or paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org. Learn more at www.oceancouncil.org.

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