Closing the action gap with inclusive, science-based ocean governance

This statement is delivered on behalf of the International Science Council, federating 250 national science academies and international scientific unions in the field of natural, social and human sciences.

The ISC emphasizes the ocean’s foundational role in sustaining planetary resilience and human wellbeing. A healthy, resilient ocean generates co-benefits across the SDGs — from food and economic development to cultural heritage and climate stability.

However, the ocean is reaching critical tipping points. Climate change and interacting pressures including warming, acidification, deoxygenation, overfishing, and pollution, are weakening the ocean’s capacity to support livelihoods and wellbeing. Without urgent, collective action, we risk irreversible damage with cascading global consequences.

Addressing these challenges requires science-based action rooted in diverse knowledge systems. This includes:

• Bridging the persistent gap between science, policy and society by fostering inclusive, participatory and transdisciplinary ocean knowledge co-production that addresses inequities, power asymmetries and better considers who benefits from ocean decision-making, and who is left out. Co-developing ocean governance processes such as sustainable ocean plans with Indigenous and local knowledge holders, scientific expertise, and community priorities is essential.
• Ensuring equitable access to science, technology, and data throughlong-term investments in science infrastructure, alongside increased recognition of existing capacities and efforts to better leverage them, particularly in Global South contexts. Adequate financial mobilization is also critical to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully to and benefit from sustainable ocean management.
• Leveraging science for diplomacy and international cooperation by using collaborative oceanscience as a tool to foster trust and mutual understanding, particularly in areas of contested governance or shared marine resources. This requires support for regional science networks, boundary organizations, and long-term partnerships that support inclusive and just governance.

Finally, UNOC-3 must be a key platform to inspire collective action and international collaboration, anchored in the latest scientific evidence.

The ISC remains committed to working with all partners beyond this Conference to advance ocean sustainability through transformative, science-based solutions.

Dr. Mia Strand

Dr. Mia Strand

Ocean Nexus Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Nelson Mandela University

Dr. Mia Strand

The ISC at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

events

9 June 2025 – 13 June 2025

The ISC at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

Learn more Learn more about The ISC at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

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