Fritz W. Köster, ICES President, stated, “ICES has proven – not least driven by the continued high-level input and engagement of UK scientists - to be an effective institution, fostering and coordinating marine science and giving transparent and impartial advice to its member states and international organizations. This MoU between the UK and ICES forms a platform for continued international collaboration, benefitting international marine research, the management of marine living resources, and healthy marine ecosystems".
Mark Dickey-Collas, Chair of ICES Advisory Committee, also welcomes the new MoU: “From the very beginning, the UK has been an active and influential member of ICES. This MoU cements the continuing partnership for our advisory activities, and is a further recognition of the value of our advice system".
A founding member
The UK has a long-running history with ICES: In 1902, the UK were one of the organization's founding member, before formally becoming a contracting party in 1964.
Victoria Prentis, UK Fisheries Minister said, “Now that we are an independent coastal state, we are moving forward with a strong vision as world leaders in marine and fisheries science. UK scientists are key contributors to ICES, and we will continue to play a leading role. We are committed to achieving a clean and healthy marine environment as well as promoting global efforts to protect and enhance marine ecosystems internationally. We must all work together to ensure our seas and oceans are sustainably managed for future generations".
Carl O'Brien, ICES UK Delegate and Chief Fisheries Science Adviser at Cefas said: “Science is strengthened through collaboration, and the signing of the MoU provides a basis for continued collaboration between UK scientists across our Devolved Administrations and our peers in ICES with its 20 member nations; embracing the rest of Europe and more widely. We will continue to work together to research and understand the challenges our oceans face and how we can meet them".
The MoU took effect as of 1 January 2021 and will be reviewed and possibly revised every third year.
Read the Memorandum of Understanding.
