GEBCO Symposium 2026

Under this year’s theme, “From a Seabed Mapping Strategy to Global Ocean Action”, the Symposium will explore mapping progress, ocean governance, marine spatial planning, biodiversity protection, innovation, sustainable ocean management, and more.

The programme will combine strategic discussions, technical sessions, interactive workshops, and action-oriented outcomes aligned with the Ocean Decade and preparations for UNOC4.

Topics to be discussed will include:

• Seabed mapping: Progress and Remaining Gaps
• Data Gathering and Processing
• The Dilemma of Open Data
• Innovation Driving the Future of Ocean Mapping
• Mapping for Society and Sustainability
• And much more

Registration

People interested in participating in-person in Cartagena are invited to register here.  

The symposium will take place 8–9 October 2026 in Cartagena, Colombia. 

Keynote Speakers:

• Stuart Banks — Deep-Ocean Research and Conservation lead, Charles Darwin Foundation
• Jerry Enoe — Ambassador – Special Envoy for Oceans; Blue Economy Advisor, Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Government of Grenada

Speakers:

• Rear Admiral Hermann Aicardo León Rincón — General Maritime Director of Colombia, General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR), Colombia
• Dr Pip Bricher — Director, National Seabed Mapping, Geoscience Australia
• Carlos Zuñiga — Director, Chilean Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA), Chile
• Alejandro Canio — Vice-Dean and Programme Manager, National Technological University (UTN), Chubut Regional Faculty – Center for Research and Technological Development in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Food (CIDAPAL), Argentina
• David Millar — Government Accounts Director, Fugro; Member of the Ocean Decade Corporate Data Group
• José Córdova Aguilar — Hydrographer, Navy of Ecuador
• Arne Johan Husebø Hestnes — Senior Vice President Technology, KONGSBERG
• Catalina Belén García-Jove Contreras — Geologist & Oceanographer, M.Sc., Geociencias & Abyssa
• Gyna Marcela Rincón Ramírez — Colombian Geological Service (SGC), Colombia
• Kitch Kennedy — Senior Director, Ocean Mapping, Saildrone
• Andrés Felipe Camilo — Physical Engineer – Researcher, Operational Oceanography and Meteorology Section, Center for Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research of the Caribbean (CIOH) – General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR), Colombia
• Cussui Segura Cuellar — Manager of the Nasca Ridge National Reserve, National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP), Ministry of Environment of Peru

Logistical Information:

The GEBCO Symposium will be held at the Hotel Capilla del Mar in Cartagena. Symposium Attendees wishing to stay in the same hotel as the event can book a room with a preferential rate using the links below. Alternatively, there is a also a wide selection of hotels in the Bocagrande neighbourhood near the symposium venue.