UN Ocean Decade Collaboration Ensures Maximum IMarEST Impact

Last year we appointed Niru Dorrian as the IMarEST’s ambassador to the United Nations Ocean Decade. His mission is to maximise the impact of our global marine community as they work to create a positive future for our oceans and the people who depend on them. In this first update report, Niru highlights the progress we have made. 

The IMarEST is proud to have members from a wide range of marine science and engineering disciplines, which includes oceanographers, marine biologists, conservationists, coastal engineers, meteorologists, and climate scientists, just to name a few. Personally, I’m a passionate marine mammal specialist and in my day-to-day role I see the most positive outcomes when we collaborate with others from across the industry.  It’s a big reason that I took on the role of the IMarEST’s UN Ocean Decade ambassador.  

The Ocean Decade and the IMarEST 

The UN Ocean Decade was created to drive transformative research and technological innovation for our oceans to help the UN meet its Sustainable Development Goals. It also aims to ensure science informs policy and decision-making and that scientific institutions, industry, NGOs and civil society collaborate to address global challenges faced by our oceans 

(Above) the ten Ocean Decade challenges

The IMarEST supports the UN Ocean Decade by aligning our activities with the Ocean Decade’s priorities across policy development, global engagement, and initiatives. 

In March, I attended the UK National Decade Committee’s pivotal workshop, ‘The Next Five Years: UK Science-Policy Dialogue for the UN Ocean Decade’. This event gathered experts to assess the UK's involvement in the Ocean Decade and strategise future scientific and policy directions. I was delighted to present the IMarEST’s contributions and ongoing initiatives. 

This week, I’m also excited about attending the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which will gather heads of state, governments and the global ocean community to drive urgent action to protect and restore the ocean. The Ocean Decade describes this event as ‘a pivotal moment to take stock of progress, showcase the impact of our network of endorsed actions, and accelerate action toward delivering the science we need for the ocean we want’ and I am very pleased to play my part in it. 

Ocean Decade Endorsements 

A big part of my work over the last year has been to help IMarEST events and initiatives and gain Ocean Decade endorsement. Endorsements prove that we are working towards meeting the Ocean Decade challenges, as well as helping to secure funding, increase visibility, and amplify the impact of our initiatives.  

So far, we have secured 12 Decade Action endorsements. Here are some examples: 

Oceans of Knowledge Conference – 2025  

Organised by the IMarEST’s Operational Oceanography Special Interest Group (SIG), this bi-annual conference brings ocean professionals together to discuss the hot topics in the industry. This year the focus is the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Operational Oceanography. 

IMarEST - MMOA Bursary for Aspiring Marine Mammal Observers 

Jointly funded by the IMarEST's Don Bootle Fund and the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA), this bursary supports aspiring Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), Protected Species Observers (PSOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators with the resources to allow them to enhance their skills and expertise. The bursary allows recipients to participate in relevant specialised training programs and get the equipment they need. 

Bill Loth Ocean Decade Award

Established in memory of Bill Loth, IMarEST’s 102nd President and a pioneer in subsea technology, this award funds research exploring transformative solutions for sustainable ocean development. It provides grants to up to two students or graduates from IMarEST-accredited institutions or degree courses. 

I invite members, SIGs, and branches to gain Ocean Decade endorsement for events and initiatives. Your expertise, contributions, and collaboration are vital in driving meaningful change for the future of our oceans. Get involved and help shape a sustainable marine future. 

Our team is available to support our members to seek UN Ocean Decade endorsement. Visit our Ocean Decade hub or contact [email protected] for more information.