As advocates of the world of marine observation and conservation gather in Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), the Marine Biological Association (MBA), led by CEO Professor Willie Wilson, will play a central role in shaping the global dialogue on ocean science, observation, and conservation.
Professor Wilson will represent the MBA at the POGO Directors’ Meeting, a high-level summit of leaders from 39 of the world’s top marine research institutions under the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). Together, they will confront the challenges of ocean health and deliver a unified policy statement for UNOC3, an instrument designed to influence governments and international organisations to prioritise and fund ocean observing systems.
“As a highly respected international marine science research institution, the MBA has a crucial seat at the table as an equal partner with our global colleagues, to influence global policy and development,” said Professor Wilson. “This is a moment where science must be heard, and acted upon.”
Uniting science, technology and policy
The MBA’s participation signals the importance of long-term ocean monitoring, and its vital connection to climate goals, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Discussions will address how to:
- Towards net zero ocean observing – (how) can we achieve this?
- New collaborations for low-cost technology development
- POGO’s role in influencing policy, from national to global scale
- POGO’s role in fostering, promoting and adopting emerging technologies
- Infrastructure challenges in the Global South – how do we support ocean observing beyond the training?
- Addressing the funding challenges facing the global ocean observing system: new funding models, sources and/or international partnerships?
These discussions are more than academic. They feed directly into a consensus driven POGO policy statement that will be delivered to world leaders at UNOC3 and inform action through the One Ocean Science Congress. This unified message carries significant weight and positions ocean observation as a central pillar of climate and biodiversity strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
c. Marine Biological Association
A global voice for the ocean
The Marine Biological Association’s voice, alongside others in the POGO network, will highlight how accessible, affordable, and coordinated ocean observations are critical – not only to understanding the ocean, but to protecting it.
Through participation in policy-focused breakouts and plenary sessions, Professor Wilson and the MBA team will stress the importance of sustained funding, capacity building, and technological innovation to address the growing threats facing the ocean.
While world leaders convene at UNOC3, the MBA stands ready to ensure that science remains central to solutions.
“From plankton to policy, we are committed to advancing knowledge and ensuring ocean science serves society at all levels; local, national, and global,” added Professor Wilson.
