ICES Science Committee (SCICOM) met this week for the first time since the release of ICES new strategic and science plans.
High on the agenda were discussions on the application of maturing science to advisory needs, for example through Viewpoints, ICES engagement in international activities including science and advice in areas beyond national jurisdiction, strengthening links with organizations such as PICES, and potential contributions to the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
Anna Jöborn from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management addressed the importance of ICES participation in the UN Decade of Ocean Science. “ICES community has a lot of experience and knowledge to offer to the Ocean Science Decade for Sustainable Development. ICES can empower decision-makers with science solutions and it is a good opportunity to engage in the work aiming to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 - sustainable oceans- in the UN Agenda 2030."
Encouraging engagement
Recent science highlights from the community were shared along with a review of national efforts to implement the science plan. Many Member Countries are organizing national initiatives to encourage new members to engage with ICES science and strengthen collaboration between current members of the organization's community.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) will host one such event in June. Antonina dos Santos from IPMA encourages all scientists working in Portugal as well as to the general public and stakeholders to join.
"We intend to give information on what ICES is, how it works at the national level, explain how to participate in expert groups, and create connections with scientists from academia. We especially want to discuss how science produced in Portugal would benefit from involvement with ICES and which tools/financial mechanisms are available to achieve a broader and better participation in the organization."
SCICOM members also debated the next steps for ICES training, publications, and data as well as the planning of science sessions that will help ensure a sucessful 2019 ASC in Gothenburg.
New faces
Three new national members joined SCICOM this week. Artūras Razinkovas-Baziukas joins as the member for Lithuania. Artūras is Vice-Director and Lead Researcher at Klaipėda University Marine Research Institute. Thomas Klein joins as the new member for Sweden. He is head of unit for research and environmental objectives at the Swedish board for Marine and Water Management. Jonne Kotta joins SCICOM as the new Estonian member. He is a research professor in marine ecology at the University of Tartu and Vice-Director of the Estonian Marine Institute.
Simon Jennings, SCICOM Chair welcomed the new members, emphasizing their capacity, “They bring broad expertize in the management, conduct, and use of marine science to SCICOM and will help it further its role in increasing the scope, scale, and impact of ICES science".
SCICOM is the main scientific body in ICES. It oversees all our scientific work and provides a dynamic and credible marine science programme for the organization.
