Dr Deanesh Ramsewak, Assistant Professor in Practice of the University of Trinidad and Tobago's Marine Sciences Unit recently participated in the 2026 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum and Intergenerational Hackathon held in Salvador, Brazil in April, 2026.

Dr Ramsewak's involvement followed a formal invitation from France's national institute for ocean science and marine research - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), where he served as a Technical Coach and Advisor for the Sargassum team challenge during the Hackathon.

The AAORIA Forum, supported under the European Union's Horizon Europe Programme through the OKEANO Coordination and Support Action, brought together international experts, researchers, and early career ocean professionals to collaborate on pressing ocean challenges. Dr Ramsewak's expertise in coastal and marine geospatial science, particularly in the application of Earth observation and GIS for sargassum monitoring and decision support was key to the sargassum team challenge.

During the intergenerational hackathon, six multidisciplinary teams worked intensively to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions addressing key ocean issues, including Sargassum blooms, coastal resilience, ocean literacy, and digital ocean mapping. Dr Ramsewak noted the exceptional creativity, energy, and commitment demonstrated by participants, highlighting the importance of such collaborative platforms in advancing practical solutions to global ocean challenges.

The experience provided valuable opportunities to strengthen international partnerships and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at improving early warning systems, data accessibility, and science-to-policy integration for Sargassum management in the Caribbean. Participation in this initiative was fully supported through international funding from Ireland's Marine Institute.