Organized by: UNESCO/IOCAFRICA in collaboration with: National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Egypt

For: IOCAFRICA Member States of the Mediterranean and Red Sea region

Location: NIOF, Alexandria, Egypt

Duration: 5 days

Dates: 2 - 6 August 2026

Background

As marine heatwaves (MHWs) become more frequent and intense across the Mediterranean and Red Sea, the need for an advanced scientific response has never been more urgent. Recent events between 2022 and 2025 have already triggered significant coral bleaching, mass fish kills, and harmful algal blooms, threatening both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

To address these challenges, the IOC’s Sub Commission for Africa & the Adjacent Island States (UNESCO/IOCAFRICA) and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) are hosting a specialized Regional Training Workshop on Monitoring and Forecasting Marine Heatwaves. This workshop is designed to equip specialists from IOCAFRICA Member States with the cutting-edge tools needed to move from monitoring to proactive action.

What to Expect: 

Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that bridges the gap between raw data and sectoral decision-making. Key highlights for the training include:

• High-Resolution Modeling: Training on Earth system models that resolve ocean processes at 10 km, significantly improving the accuracy of MHW onset and duration forecasts.
• Integrated Monitoring: Hands-on experience combining satellite remote sensing with in-situ data from buoys, Argo floats, and research vessels.
• AI & Machine Learning: Practical modules on using deep learning and neural networks for anomaly detection and long-term event prediction.
• Policy & Action: Developing a regional roadmap for a Marine Heatwave Early Warning Mechanism (MHW-EWM).

Target Participants:

The target group for training is early- to mid-career professionals who have prior experience in running global models, mainly from IOCAFRICA Member States adjacent to the Mediterranean and Red Sea region. This ensures that the training content can be appropriately pitched to their level of expertise.

Application should be submitted online through this link by 11:59 June 2026 GMT.