1567 / 2024-09-28 10:16:49

Unlocking the Potential of Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTO) for Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal Resilience: Insights from Africa

digital twins of the ocean (DTO),ecosystem resilience,coastal management

Session 32 - Digital twins of the ocean (DTO) and its applications

Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTO) are cutting-edge digital models that integrate data, simulations, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to tackle complex marine and climate challenges. By merging global datasets with local observations, DTOs provide a robust, science-based framework for decision-making in marine management, addressing critical areas such as climate change adaptation, marine spatial planning, and ecosystem resilience. Their capability to run what-if scenarios (WIS) under various socio-economic and environmental pathways makes them indispensable for advancing sustainable ocean and coastal management. This study explores the implementation of a DTO along Nigeria’s coastline, focusing on sustainable fisheries management. Utilizing the OPENCoastS platform and Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) data, the DTO integrates real-time local data to deliver actionable forecasts and support decision-making. Key fisheries and ecosystem indicators are evaluated under multiple climate scenarios, empowering stakeholders to optimize resource management and strengthen coastal resilience. Inclusivity is central to this approach, with forecast data available in six local languages, ensuring that coastal communities can access and apply critical insights. By simulating extreme weather events and forecasting ecosystem changes, DTOs enhance resilience, particularly in vulnerable, data-poor regions such as Nigeria’s coast. This case study highlights the immense potential of DTOs to bridge the gap between sophisticated scientific modelling and real-world applications in climate adaptation and fisheries management. While the current models offer valuable tools for decision-making, further refinement is needed to reduce uncertainties and improve predictive accuracy. The methodology is scalable to other coastal regions through global initiatives like the UN Decade’s WOLLF project and is supported by the ATTRACT European Digital Innovation Hub. DTOs are crucial to addressing urgent marine challenges, strengthening coastal communities, and driving sustainable development. By combining advanced technology with active community involvement, DTOs represent a vital tool in global efforts to combat climate change and promote a sustainable blue economy.