Marine geophysicist Vicki Ferrini highlights how open-source data and global teamwork are revolutionizing our understanding of the oceans—just in time for World Oceans Day. She breaks down how shared research is filling gaps in ocean mapping, which could help everything from climate science to undersea cable planning.

Editor’s Note: The oceans are Earth’s last great frontier, and we’re finally pooling knowledge to chart them properly. This isn’t just academic—better maps mean smarter conservation, safer shipping, and even more accurate weather predictions. It’s a reminder that when countries and scientists work together, we make real progress.