The Crucial Role of Data-Driven Technology in Protecting South Africa’s Oceans

Nine years ago, South Africa introduced a pioneering information management system aimed at monitoring and safeguarding its extensive maritime territories. Situated amid the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the country’s oceans are a major source of income and employment, contributing significantly to its GDP and projecting substantial growth by 2033, with the potential to create over a million jobs.

The ocean economy encompasses various sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, mineral resource exploitation, and tourism. However, the vast maritime expanse also presents governance challenges, making it difficult to manage and plan for both economic development and conservation efforts. This is where the National Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS) plays a vital role.

Formulated within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in 2012 and formally launched in 2015 in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), OCIMS provides a central platform for ocean observations, data sharing, and expertise from various national agencies. The system facilitates the collection and analysis of data, which in turn informs policy decisions, compliance actions, and enforcement efforts, ultimately contributing to a coordinated approach to ocean governance.

An in-depth analysis has shown that OCIMS has not only been crucial in protecting South Africa’s oceans but has also delivered significant cost savings for both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, it has fostered dialogue and collaboration across government departments, non-profit organisations, and the private sector, promoting a more unified approach to ocean governance.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, in collaboration with the South African Environmental Observations Network, established the Marine Information Management System as an integral component of OCIMS. This system preserves, discovers, and disseminates long-term data, adhering to international standards and practices to ensure accessibility and reliability.

In addition to providing user-specific data capture applications and data visualisation platforms, OCIMS equips stakeholders with decision-support tools to facilitate coordination, response, compliance, and enforcement initiatives. From monitoring avian influenza to tracking vessel movements, the system plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of South Africa’s oceans.

A key factor in OCIMS’s success has been the steadfast financial support from the South African government, providing collaborators and partners with a sense of security and confidence. This has led to invaluable co-funding, expertise contributions, and data sharing, amplifying the system’s resilience and impact. Furthermore, some of OCIMS’s tools have been shared with other countries in the region, spurring new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

One of the paramount lessons derived from OCIMS’s success is the importance of involving major users in the system’s development from the outset. Formalised stakeholder interactions have ensured that OCIMS is tailored to directly meet user needs, making it immediately relevant and practical for its intended purposes.

In conclusion, the implementation of a data-driven monitoring system in South Africa has not only bolstered the protection of its oceans but has also paved the way for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and enhanced collaboration in ocean governance. This holistic approach to harnessing the potential of the oceans serves as a valuable model for other nations seeking to establish similar initiatives.