IOC's OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) is a global network of Regional and Specialised Training Centres delivering training on ocean sciences, services and marine and information data management (including marine biodiversity data and ocean best practices) relevant to the IOC Programmes and contributing to the UN Ocean Decade, using the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform.

Courses cover a range of topics related to the IOC programs, contributing to the IOC Mandate and the implementation of the IOC Capacity Development Strategy, enabling equitable participation of all IOC Member States and IOC Programs.

The OceanTeacher Network of Regional and Specialised Training Centres

The OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) Project established a global network of Regional and Specialised Training Centres (RTCs and STCs) to deliver customised training for ocean experts and professionals to increase national and regional capacity in coastal and marine sciences, services and management.

Ocean literacy is defined as “an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean”. The IOC is working to support ocean research institutions around the world to strengthen public engagement and build greater ocean literacy so we can all have a greater understanding of what we can do to protect the health of our ocean.

The IOC provides the Member States with training courses on harmful microalgae. The objectives range from improving taxonomic and identification skills for research purposes to developing practical monitoring of harmful algal blooms.

The IOC has a new flagship “MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning”, which draws on the technical, practical and conceptual expertise accumulated worldwide since its well-recognized 2009 guide on “Marine Spatial Planning: A step-by-step approach toward ecosystem-based management”.