The Second International Ocean Research Conference has concluded with over 600 scientists from 70 countries calling for improved ocean protection and recommending an inclusive concept of ocean research to address challenges such as over-exploitation of marine resources and biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and harmful algae blooms.
21 November 2014: The Second International Ocean Research Conference has concluded with over 600 scientists from 70 countries calling for improved ocean protection and recommending an inclusive concept of ocean research to address challenges such as over-exploitation of marine resources and biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and harmful algae blooms.
The conference, held from 17-21 November in Barcelona, Spain, took stock of global research on ocean ecosystems and addressed three themes: building scientific knowledge; applying knowledge for societal benefit; and improving governance and building capacities.
“Scientists have a responsibility to go beyond the discovery of knowledge but also to engage with society [and] share knowledge widely,” stressed Jane Lubchenco, former Administrator of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in a keynote lecture. Participants agreed that scientists have a responsibility to ensure that research results translate into policies and recognized scientists’ role in increasing public awareness on ocean challenges.
Participants also recognized the importance of international scientific programs, including the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research project (IMBER), in achieving marine scientific advances, facilitating data collection and sharing knowledge. At the same time, participants observed that institutions responsible for ocean research, conservation and monitoring are numerous and dispersed, which presents challenges for coordinated, effective action. They recommended improved coordination across disciplines and specialties, particularly the contribution of social sciences. Participants also recommended increased attention to the role of oceans in climate change negotiations, underscoring oceans’ critical role in regulating climate change.
“We need a radical rethinking in how we do and cooperate in science,” explained Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IOC), in her closing remarks. She stressed “science cooperation today is not a luxury” and highlighted areas in which additional scientific research and cooperation is needed, particularly on ocean acidification, microplastics, hypoxia and other emerging issues.
UNESCO-IOC organized the conference in collaboration with the Oceanography Society (US) and the Fundació Navegació Oceànica Barcelona, creator of the Barcelona World Race. Following the conference, the Barcelona World Race, for the first time in its history, will have every competing vessel complete a given a scientific mandate, including collecting data on surface temperatures and salinity, measuring microplastics and deploying Argo floats to enhance understanding of oceans and climate change. [UNESCO Press Release in Advance of Conference] [UNESCO Press Release on Opening] [UNESCO Press Release on Closing] [UNESCO Press Release on Barcelona World Race] [Conference Website]