Post by Daniela V. Fernandez

#ICYMI, UNESCO Ocean released the second-ever State of the Ocean Report last week. Three takeaways: 1. The ocean crisis is developing faster than our knowledge of the ocean itself 2. Ocean research efforts are currently insufficient to gather adequate, aggregated data 3. We need to increase mapping and measuring of the ocean to effectively manage and protect its ecosystems Enter today’s interviewee, Joost den Haan: Co-Founder & CEO at PlanBlue, an ocean-positive startup actively solving this problem with “detailed, fast, and scalable data to accelerate nature-based solutions.” By actively mapping the ocean floor in more detail than current topographic maps and at scale, PlanBlue is helping to gather “the science we need for the ocean we want” (the end goal of the UN Ocean Decade from now through 2030). In this interview, Joost and I discuss his career, what’s next for PlanBlue, and importantly: 🗺️ Ocean mapping advancements and updates to the Seabed 2030 Initiative  🪸 PlanBlue’s exciting marine habitat and coastal ecosystem observation contracts 🌊 How hyperspectral imaging is changing the game for rapidly visualizing ocean health … and beyond. Ready to be informed and inspired? Subscribe here and dive into the latest edition below → https://bit.ly/dvf-pnp     #PlanetandPurpose