Ocean Sciences
The IOC ocean science portfolio of activities aims at fostering knowledge generation in IOC Member States through the design and pursuit of common research agendas; the identification of scientific protocols supporting the systematic observation of ocean physical, biochemical and biological features; and the elucidation of science questions underpinning ocean hazards (other than tsunami) such as harmful algal blooms.
The Ocean Science Section also assists in translating the findings of scientific research to meet the needs of policymakers by contributing to relevant scientific assessments and policy processes such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and in building the knowledge base on multiple ocean stressors to implement ecosystem-based management. An underpinning dimension of the ocean science work stream at IOC is to contribute to building capacities in ocean science, including by addressing priorities around gender issues and in support of African ocean science and management.
IOC collaborates closely with a number of UN and non-UN partners in the design and implementation of its ocean science activities.
Currently the ocean science portfolio of IOC is constituted by the following main work streams:
Effects of climate change on upwelling systems
Ocean carbon and marine geo-engineering
Harmful algal blooms and health
Integrated ocean carbon research (page under construction)
Multiple ocean stressors (page under construction)
Plankton dynamics and climate change (page under construction)