This is us

Tobias Dahlin

VOTO — Voice of the Ocean Foundation

Voice of the Ocean (VOTO) is a Swedish non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing marine research and promoting ocean literacy. We combine scientific curiosity with the power of storytelling to spark interest, expand knowledge and inspire meaningful engagement with the ocean. We envision a world where the ocean is understood, respected and protected by all. We believe a deeper understanding of the ocean leads to stronger action to protect it. Our work is anchored in the Baltic Sea but the global ocean is one system, and we work to support ocean science and ocean literacy on a global scale.


Scuba diver holding an underwater rope while ascending through blue-green water, surrounded by rising air bubbles.

Deep Sea Productions

GOOS — Global Ocean
Observing System

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) provides leadership and coordination for a global system of sustained ocean observations. Through a globally integrated infrastructure of ocean observing networks, national and regional observing initiatives, and with the guidance of its expert panels, GOOS ensures the delivery of essential ocean information that supports ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. GOOS is a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC).

View from inside an underwater cave through a coral-covered opening into clear blue water with small fish swimming outside.

Johan Candert

The GO Ocean Steering Group

International experts in ocean science, observation networks, communications, industry and finance. Members advise, contribute materials, review communications, recruit partners and shape direction. Supported by the GO Ocean Campaign Coordinator, working with the Core Group (VOTO, IOC-UNESCO and GOOS).

Whale tail rising above the ocean beside a small boat under a pink and purple evening sky.

Deep Sea Productions

Steering Group Members

Joanna Post

Joanna Post

Is Director of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, where she leads international efforts to strengthen and coordinate the global ocean observing system and information and data exchange. With extensive experience in international ocean and climate governance and science communication, she plays a key role in shaping the global ocean observing system as a critical infrastructure for the future.
Contact Joanna Post LinkedIn — Joanna Post
Nick Rome

Nick Rome

Is Interim Director of the Center for Ocean Leadership at UCAR, where he leads strategy, operations, partnerships and external engagement to advance collaborative ocean science. He has extensive experience in ocean observing and international programme coordination, bringing together government, research and operational partners to strengthen ocean information and services.
Contact Nick Rome LinkedIn — Nick Rome
Peter Burger

Peter Burger

Is seconded by Fugro, a world-leading geo-data company, to UNESCO-IOC in Paris, where he supports the UN Ocean Decade by improving access to private-sector ocean data. He coordinates the Decade Corporate Data Group, established by Fugro and IOC, bringing together marine industry leaders to develop frameworks that unlock and enable public access to privately held ocean data.
Contact Peter Burger LinkedIn — Peter Burger
Tammy Morris

Tammy Morris

Is a physical oceanographer and Ocean and Polar Coordinator at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), where she leads marine and polar ocean observing activities and works on the use of autonomous observing platforms to study ocean dynamics. She is a Director and Board Trustee of POGO, South Africa’s focal point on the Argo Steering Team, and co-lead of the GOOS Co-Design Boundary Current Exemplar Project; under South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, she also led the Ocean20 social engagement group, championing an inclusive approach that brought governments, science, industry and communities into ocean policy and action.
Contact Tammy Morris LinkedIn — Tammy Morris
Patrick Gorringe

Patrick Gorringe

Is an oceanographer at the CMCC Foundation (Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change), where he works on advancing ocean observations and their application to climate services and coastal resilience. Through previous leadership roles at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrographic Institute and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), he has helped strengthen international collaboration and the delivery of sustained ocean observing capabilities.
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Francisco A. Arias-Isaza

Francisco A. Arias-Isaza

Is a marine biologist and retired Colombian Navy Captain who has served as Director General of INVEMAR since 1995. He has led the development of marine and coastal policy in Colombia, contributed to global ocean initiatives including the UN Ocean Decade, and currently serves as Chair of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO).
Contact Francisco A. Arias-Isaza
Louise Biddle

Louise Biddle

Is Science Lead at the Voice of the Ocean Foundation, where she provides strategic scientific leadership across the organisation's ocean science, ocean literacy and partnership activities. She coordinates the GO Ocean campaign, working with international partners to strengthen recognition of ocean observations as essential infrastructure and to catalyse greater investment, coordination and action in the global ocean observing system.
Contact Louise Biddle LinkedIn — Louise Biddle