The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Catherine Chabaud, French Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, ICES President Carl O’Brien, ICES General Secretary Alan Haynie, University of Brest First Vice-President Vianney Pichereau, and François Houllier, President and Director General of Ifremer.
“At a time when the effects of climate change are accelerating, marine ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure, and expectations for science have never been higher, this conference takes on special significance. Its goal is to enhance science’s ability to address these new questions and challenges,” Chabaud said.
Brest is a fitting setting for the conference, reflecting France’s long-standing connection to marine science. “If there is one thing that defines Brest, it is its marine identity. And so it is an honour to host the ICES Annual Science Conference,” said Pichereau.
Pierre Petitgas, French Delegate to ICES Council, welcomed participants to France. “Bienvenue au CIEM, en France et à Brest ! We are honoured to host the 2026 Annual Science Conference of ICES, a cornerstone of marine science collaboration at the scale of the ocean.” He noted that French scientists participate in around half of ICES expert groups, contributing to work ranging from human dimensions and spatial approaches to ecosystem observation, modelling, and assessment.
The opening ceremony was followed by the presentation of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award to Massimiliano Cardinale, recognizing his significant contribution to marine science and fisheries research.
Are we ready for 2040?
The opening day also brought science, advice and policy together. A special event, The future of fisheries advice: Are we ready for 2040?, co-sponsored by ICES and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, provided an opportunity to consider how fisheries advice needs to adapt to remain relevant in 2040.
The event brought together the ASC community to explore some of the pressing questions at the science-policy interface. Panel participants from the European Commission’s DG MARE, the ICES Advisory Committee, national institutes, expert groups, and Advisory Councils discussed different perspectives on the future of fisheries advice. Facilitated by ICES Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Marie-Julie Roux, the discussion focused on effectively involving stakeholders, transitioning towards ecosystem-based fisheries management, and increasing resilience while maintaining the foundations of current ICES advice processes.
The one-hour session was followed by an interactive coffee-break session, where ASC participants shared input on key themes, and a networking session on Future-proofing ICES science and advice. The results of these interactions will be summarised at the ASC closing ceremony and used to support ongoing ICES prioritisation and strategic development.
Plenary gatherings
Marking 100 years of ICES Journal of Marine Science, Editor-in-Chief Howard Browman hosted a plenary featuring three keynote speakers reflecting on the past, present, and future of marine science publishing.
Looking back at the Journal’s evolution, historian Helen Rozwadowski traced how ICES publications have changed alongside the organisation’s role, from early fisheries and oceanographic research to a broader ecosystem approach. A bibliometric analysis presented by Szymon Smoliński showed a shift in the journal’s research focus over the past century, with topics including fisheries and socioeconomics, marine policy and governance, and habitat modelling becoming increasingly prominent. Looking ahead, Alexandra Schneider explored challenges facing scientific publishing, including generative AI, trust, and the growing demands on researchers and editors.
Across the three talks, a common theme emerged: how scientific publishing can continue to communicate reliable knowledge, support the scientific community, and serve society as both marine science and the ways we share knowledge continue to change.
The opening day also brought science and policy together in a plenary roundtable on Marine Spatial Planning. Bringing together French representatives from policy, research, and marine spatial planning, the discussion explored how scientific evidence can better inform decisions in increasingly busy and changing marine spaces. The conversation highlighted the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with policy processes, while recognising the practical challenges of bringing different perspectives and interests together.
As pressures on marine ecosystems and ocean space continue to evolve, the session underlined the need for strong links between research, advice, and decision-making.
As the week gets underway, participants are also being encouraged to make connections across disciplines, countries, and career stages. ICES General Secretary Alan Haynie put it: “Throughout the week, I encourage you to put yourselves out there and meet new people. Whether this is your first ASC as a student, your last ASC before retirement, or anywhere in between, reach out to people, ask questions, and help us make the bonds of wonderful community even stronger.”
View the Opening ceremony and plenary sessions on our YouTube channel.
