Endorsed Actions

The science we need for the ocean we want

The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

To achieve the Ocean Decade vision, a wide range of partners will implement endorsed Decade Actions in the form of programmes, projects or activities over the next ten years. Through Calls for Decade Actions, partners are invited to request endorsement under the Ocean Decade for transformative Decade Actions that contribute to the Ocean Decade vision. 

Glossary

  • Action : The tangible initiatives that will be carried out across the globe over the next ten years to fulfil the Decade vision.
  • Activity: A Decade Action that is a one-off standalone activity (such as an awareness- raising event, a scientific workshop, or a training opportunity). It enables a programme or project or directly contributes to an Ocean Decade Challenge.
  • Programme: A Decade Action that is typically global or regional in scale and will contribute to the achievement of one or more of the Ocean Decade Challenges. It is long-term (multi-year), interdisciplinary and multi- national. A programme will consist of component projects, and potentially enabling activities.
  • Project: A Decade Action that is a discrete and focused undertaking that is typically of a shorter duration. It may be regional, national or sub-national and it will typically contribute to an identified Decade programme.

List of Endorsed Ocean Decade Actions​ relvant to the Southern Ocean

 
Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON)

The Biomolecular Ocean Observing Network (OBON) will develop a global system that will allow science and society to understand ocean life like never before. The programme will transform how we sense, harvest, protect, and manage ocean life, which faces multiple stresses including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. It will also help communities detect biological hazards like harmful algal blooms and pathogens and be a key component of next-generation ocean observing systems.  

Type of Decade Action: Programme

Lead institution: The Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO)

Contact: Margaret Leinen, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California-San Diego, USA.

 

Marine Life 2030: A Global Integrated Marine Biodiversity Information Management and Forecasting System for Sustainable Development and Conservation

Within a decade, Marine Life 2030 will unite existing and frontier technologies and partners into a global, interoperable network and community of practice advancing observation and forecasting of marine life. This network of networks will link technical, management and policy stakeholders to build and exchange capacity for advancing society’s grand challenges of managing activities for a healthy and resilient ocean and the vibrant and healthy society that depends on it.

Type of Decade Action: Programme

Lead institution: Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON)

Contact: Gabrielle Canonico, NOAA/US IOOS and Frank Muller-Karger, University of South Florida.

 
Animal-Borne Ocean Sensors (AniBOS): A decadal vision through new eyes

AniBOS, an emerging network of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), will provide freely available oceanographic measurements across the hard-to-reach world’s polar and tropical oceans collected through biologging, the deployment of sensors on marine animals. These data compliments conventional approaches by providing both physical and ecological data in ocean regions directly at the scale and resolution at which animals move. AniBOS will fill this gap by integrating animal collected data within Global Ocean Observing System to improve our ability to observe and predict global climate processes and animal behaviour for societal benefit.

Type of Decade Action: Project

Lead institution: Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS)

Contact: Clive McMahon, University of Tasmania, Australia.

 

The Antarctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AnMAP)

AnMAP aims to deliver a circum-Antarctic research and surveillance Programme focused on the major threats of organic contaminant pollution and climate-driven ecosystem change. Antarctica is no longer pristine, and our ability to capture change, forecast and mitigate impacts hinges on our ability to implement and coordinate effective circum-Polar surveillance measures. This initiative seeks to provide scientific information on threats to the Antarctic environment, and government advice as to preventative and remedial action. It represents an investment into an existing area of research capacity and excellence, and will deliver an established, international, research, logistics and policy network ready to ascend with the initiative for immediate impact

Type of Decade Action: Project

Lead institution: Griffith University

Contact: Susan Bengtson Nash, Griffith University, Australia.