New global map guides ocean policy with migration data
EE31 – MiCO by scientists at the University of Queensland
Vital information about our planet's health is hidden beneath the sea. This month, we're highlighting a project that takes us into the depths of our oceans and delivers crucial conservation data into the hands of researchers, conservationists, and policymakers.
MiCO (Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean) is an initiative launched by scientists at the University of Queensland. Through interactive mapping, it reveals the vast distances that marine species travel, and highlights the links between breeding and feeding grounds. For the first time, everyone has access to migratory pathways in a way that’s both global and granular, allowing for more informed decisions about protecting our oceans.
What this tool lacks in sophisticated design, it makes up for in its simplicity and clarity. Users can easily explore the map themselves. And by making this tool freely available, the team is opening doors for collaboration and action across countries, giving everyone the opportunity to engage with vital conservation data.
Upcoming workshops
Tue 28 Oct 2025, 9am-1pm (GMT), Somerset House, £249
Data visualisation doesn’t have to be expensive, there are many free tools available. However, selecting the right tools, knowing how to uncover narratives within the data, and effectively engaging and communicating with your users are what make a visualisation truly impactful.
User experience design for online tools and products
Tue 7 Oct or 25 Nov 2025, 9am-1pm (GMT), Somerset House, £249
In this interactive half-day workshop, our trainers will guide you through the key principles of UX and explain why it's important. They'll demonstrate how to interview users and use these insights to create personas, considering user needs, motivations, and pain points. You'll also participate in exercises designed to help you lead user needs workshops within your organisation.
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