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Ocean

The International Science Council (ISC) is committed to advancing science as a global public good. We are working to address the challenges facing our ocean by building scientific capabilities, promoting science collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary research, and providing science advice for evidence-based solutions.

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The International Science Council (ISC) is committed to advancing ocean science and sustainability through global initiatives, partnerships, and policy efforts. By supporting interdisciplinary research and promoting science-based solutions, the ISC works to address critical ocean challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable ocean for future generations.

Activities  

UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) 

The United Nations Ocean Decade provides a platform for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the health of the ocean. The ISC plays a central role in this initiative, focusing on interdisciplinary research and science-based solutions. As a partner in the Decade, the ISC is committed to advancing inclusive ocean science that directly addresses societal challenges.

UN Ocean Conferences

Building on its contributions to previous UN Ocean Conferences in 2017 and 2022, the ISC is preparing for an active role in UNOC 2025. By convening expert groups and facilitating science-policy dialogues, the ISC ensures that the latest scientific evidence informs the key discussions and agreements.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Committee  

The ISC recognizes the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and has established a dedicated SIDS Liaison Committee to integrate their scientific knowledge into global ocean discussions. This committee contributes expertise on issues such as sea-level rise and reliance on marine resources, ensuring that SIDS perspectives are adequately represented in international dialogues.

Plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

The ISC continues to actively support the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution. By engaging in negotiations and contributing scientific evidence, the ISC plays a crucial role in advocating for a robust, science-based treaty to address plastic pollution globally.

Sustainable Ocean Governance  

The ISC promotes equitable access to marine data, technology, and knowledge to support sustainable ocean governance. Through its advocacy for open access to scientific data, the ISC helps ensure that the voices of SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs are heard in policy decisions that address challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Affiliated Bodies  

The ISC co-sponsors science initiatives and programmes that strengthen global scientific efforts in ocean science and sustainability.

Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) 

The purpose of GOOS is to enable the state of the ocean to be described, its changing conditions to be forecast, and its effects on climate change to be predicted, and to facilitate sustainable development by ocean users and managers. 

Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) 

SCOR is a thematic committee of the International Science Council. Its purpose is to further international scientific activity in all branches of oceanic research. It fosters collaboration among marine scientists worldwide, addresses key scientific questions, promotes capacity development, and enhances methods and experiments in oceanic research. SCOR works closely with national and international organizations, providing expertise on ocean science and policy issues. 

Latest news View all

Aerial photo of the ocean and a coastline news
20 December 2024 - 7 min read

Introducing the ISC expert group on oceans: Providing science-based inputs for the UN Ocean Conference

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blog
04 November 2024 - 8 min read

For science-based decision-making on the climate emergency: 10 new insights in climate science

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news
22 October 2024 - 11 min read

Pacific Academy of Sciences launch: Harnessing the knowledge of the Pacific

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Our work View all

Publications View all

publications
17 May 2024

Fact sheet: Pacific Academy of Sciences

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publications
02 May 2024

Key Requirements for a Science-based International Legally Binding Instrument to End Plastic Pollution

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publications
09 November 2023

Policy Brief: Creating a Strong Interface between Science, Policy and Society to Tackle Global Plastic Pollution

Learn more Learn more about Policy Brief: Creating a Strong Interface between Science, Policy and Society to Tackle Global Plastic Pollution
publications
15 March 2023

UN 2023 Water Conference: ISC Policy Brief

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Caño Martin Peña © Doel Vázquez publications
31 January 2022

The transformative potential of managed retreat in the face of rising sea levels

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publications
12 May 2017

A Guide to SDG Interactions: from Science to Implementation

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Events View all

A jellyfish under the water with sun shining from above events
13 December 2024

Global Ocean Oxygen Network (GO2NE) 33rd webinar on ocean deoxygenation

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Bird's eye view of a seashore events
10 December 2024

Towards IPOS – Unveiling of the Strategic Overview Webinar

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Waves crushing a red light house under grey sky events
9 June 2025 - 13 June 2025

The ISC at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

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