ICES is an intergovernmental organization whose main
objective is to increase the scientific knowledge of the marine environment and
its living resources and to use this knowledge to provide unbiased,
non-political advice to competent authorities.
ICES science and advice considers both how human
activities affect marine ecosystems and how ecosystems affect human activities.
In this way, ICES ensures that best available science is accessible for
decision-makers to make informed choices on the sustainable use of the marine
environment and ecosystems.
To achieve this objective ICES prioritizes, organizes,
delivers, and disseminates research needed to fill gaps in marine knowledge
related to ecological, political, societal, and economic issues.
ICES delivers scientific publications,
information and management advice requested by member countries and international
organizations and commissions such as the Oslo Paris Commission (OSPAR), the
Helsinki Commission - Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM),
the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), the North Atlantic Salmon
Conservation Organization (NASCO), and the European Commission (EC).
