Our oceans are in dire need of attention and protection, and a global initiative is calling on researchers to take action. The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is a crucial mission to reverse the decline of our oceans' health.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU), along with its partners, the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) and The Oceanography Society (TOS), are inviting researchers to contribute their work to a special collection. This collection aims to highlight ocean science solutions and provide a foundation for sustainable development policies.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can science alone save our oceans? UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission believes so, and they are coordinating this global effort. The papers in this collection will guide UN policy decisions, offering insights into "the science we need for the ocean we want."
"Our ocean is a vital ecosystem, a key driver of our economy, and a powerful regulator of our climate. Yet, it faces numerous threats," says AGU President Brandon Jones. "This special collection will be a catalyst for global action, ensuring the health of our oceans and the well-being of all dependent on it."
Ellen S. Kappel, editor of Oceanography, adds, "This collection will be a treasure trove of inspiring research and education programs from around the globe."
The collection, an official Ocean Decade Action Activity, will focus on urgent priorities, such as tackling marine pollution and climate change. ASLO President Susanne Menden-Deuer emphasizes, "This joint initiative will harness our collective expertise in aquatic sciences to address the Ten Challenges of the Ocean Decade. Together, we can contribute to solutions for pollution, biodiversity loss, and ensuring food security and equitable resource use."
Participating journals include JGR: Oceans, Earth's Future, and Water Resources Research (AGU); Limnology and Oceanography, L&O Methods, L&O Letters, and L&O Bulletin (ASLO); and Oceanography (TOS).
All accepted papers will be published on each journal's website and a joint landing page, in collaboration with Wiley. Authors can visit the journal websites for publication details and funding options.
Submissions are open until December 2030. Visit the United Nations Ocean Decade for Sustainable Development special collection for more information.
And this is the part most people miss: AGU, ASLO, and TOS are not just scholarly publishers; they are communities dedicated to advancing discovery and solution science. AGU, for instance, supports over half a million professionals and advocates in Earth and space sciences, aiming to create ethical and unbiased solutions. ASLO, founded in 1948, has been a leading organization in aquatic science, fostering a diverse scientific community. The Oceanography Society, with its official magazine Oceanography, promotes interdisciplinary research and equitable access to opportunities.
So, can science and these dedicated communities save our oceans? What do you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
