UN Ocean Decade: collaboration, capacity, and the road to Rio
Niru Dorrian, the IMarEST Ambassador to the UN Ocean Decade, provides his latest update on the Institute's contribution to the Decade, from marine mammal monitoring and international collaboration to capacity development and preparations for Rio 2027.
Since its launch in 2021, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) has grown into the world's largest coordinated ocean science movement, bringing together scientists, governments, industry, NGOs and communities to deliver ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’.
More than 1,000 initiatives have now been endorsed, with 953 currently active across 88 countries. The network supporting the Decade includes 43 National Decade Committees, 15 thematic and regional taskforces and hubs, and 29 Decade Implementing Partners. More than 3,000 users are also registered on Ocean Connector, providing access to ocean science training and funding opportunities.
IMarEST is one of those Decade Implementing Partners, helping mobilise its international community, support collaboration, and develop activities that contribute to the Decade Challenges.
The road to Rio
Attention is increasingly turning towards the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro, which will focus on taking the Decade from knowledge generation to practical solution delivery,
In February, I represented IMarEST at the Ocean Decade Road to Rio session at the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 in Glasgow. That conversation continued in October at the UK National Decade Committee meeting in Edinburgh on 13–14 October. There, I presented an update on IMarEST's Ocean Decade activities and contributed to discussions on Rio, broader stakeholder engagement, and the Decade's longer-term legacy.
Building on these discussions, we are now exploring how the Institute, members, and Special Interest Groups can contribute to Rio 2027.
Improving marine biodiversity data
As part of our closer ties with the Ocean Decade as a Decade Implementing Partner, the IMarEST Marine Mammals SIG has been working with the Ocean Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing and the Marine Mammal Observer Association. Together, we are producing an open access OceanTeacher Global Academy learning module on Quality Assurance and Quality Control for marine mammal and marine megafauna monitoring data.
The module will help strengthen global capacity to generate high-quality biodiversity data for research, conservation and evidence-based ocean management
New Ocean Decade endorsements
We continue to ensure that the work of the IMarEST and its partners are endorsed as Ocean Decade activities that contribute to its mission. There have been some notable examples so far this year:
The IMarEST 2026 Marine Foresight Conference in Ningbo, China, brought together international marine experts, industry leaders and policymakers to explore the future of ocean technology and marine industries.
The Marine Mammal Monitoring, Noise Management and Policy Workshop at the 37th European Cetacean Society Conference in Dundee was endorsed as an Ocean Decade activity. The workshop attracted more than 100 specialists from government, academia and industry.
The UK Seal Monitoring & Research Initiative and Seal Research Trust's Volunteer Seal Monitoring Training have also received Ocean Decade endorsement, recognising their contribution to improving coordination, training and evidence for seal conservation.
New IMarEST Awards and Funding Application Guidance was produced this year, helping students and early-career professionals access awards, bursaries and funding opportunities while supporting inclusive capacity development.
The IMarEST's portfolio now stands at 22 endorsed Ocean Decade Actions, with further activities in development. Their breadth is particularly encouraging, extending from biodiversity data quality, professional development, engineering, marine mammal conservation, international conferences, technology and capacity building.
Together, they demonstrate that contributing to the Ocean Decade is about connecting expertise, improving professional practice, developing people and supporting collaboration across the international marine community.
A personal highlight
On a personal note, I was honoured to be included in the ENDS Power List 2026 for my contribution to the IMarEST's work and the Ocean Decade. The list recognises 100 UK environmental professionals making a significant impact in their field.
Of course, much of this work has been collaborative, and the recognition reflects the contribution of colleagues and volunteers across the IMarEST and the wider marine community. Thanks to you all and may we continue to go from strength-to-strength over the remainder of the Decade.
Get involved with the IMarEST’s work for the UN Ocean Decade.
