Hydrographic Institute attends the “Ocean and Human Health” conference

The Hydrographic Institute (IH) took part, on 11 and 12 December 2025, in the international conference “Ocean and Human Health”, organised by the National Committee for the Ocean Decade, held at the auditorium of the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering.

The event provided a multidisciplinary forum for dialogue on the benefits, risks and impacts of the relationship between the ocean and human health, bringing together experts from marine sciences, medicine and social sciences, as well as policy makers, representatives of the private sector and civil society organisations.

IH’s participation was carried out through its Division of Chemistry and Marine Pollution, with the presentation of the work “From sampling to results: data quality challenges in marine pollution assessment”, which highlighted the Institute’s role in producing scientific knowledge applied to the assessment of marine pollution.

The presentation emphasised the importance of data quality for understanding pollution levels, supporting environmental monitoring programmes and protecting marine ecosystems, thereby also contributing to the safeguarding of human health.

Each stage, from sampling to laboratory analysis, introduces uncertainties, making it essential to recognise and control these sources of variability. Only with reliable information is it possible to properly support and inform management actions.

Further information, including the concept note and the biographical notes of speakers and moderators, is available at: https://cndo.sgeconomia.gov.pt/noticias/ocean-and-human-health.