Transdisciplinary science
Building on the progress of the past years, ICES Science Plan “Science for ecosystem-informed advice for our seas and oceans" incorporates advancements in marine science, technology, and global priorities such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. "The latest plan represents an evolution, not a revolution", says Dave Reid, Chair of ICES Science Committee, "so that we can properly meet the pressing challenges of a changing marine environment".
While retaining its seven thematic pillars— marine ecosystem science, human impacts, observation and exploration, emerging technologies, food from the sea, conservation science, and the relationship between sea and society —the Science Plan refines these areas to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource use. Enhanced operational mechanisms will ensure progress tracking and increased alignment with global sustainability frameworks.
A key feature is a stronger emphasis on transdisciplinary approaches, integrating natural and social sciences alongside traditional and experiential knowledge systems. This reflects ICES commitment to addressing the complex dynamics of social–ecological systems and ensuring inclusive, actionable insights for policy and decision-making.
The Science Plan explicitly prioritizes inclusivity and diversity, fostering opportunities for early-career scientists and underrepresented groups while promoting equitable collaboration within the marine science community. It also outlines cutting-edge approaches and techniques, including the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, multi-function observation platforms, environmental DNA, and digital twins, which promise to revolutionize ocean monitoring and ecosystem modelling.
Advancing ecosystem-based and climate-informed advice
With the Science Plan providing the knowledge base to support advice on the sustainable development of ocean goods and services for humankind and a healthy and productive ecosystem, ICES latest Advisory Plan will strengthen the organization's role as a global leader in delivering independent, science-based advice for sustainable ocean management.
Colm Lordan, Chair of ICES Advisory Committee, has highlighted the ambition to move forward with ecosystem-based and climate-informed advice, as well as a renewed focus on improving the advisory process.
The enhanced focus on ecosystem-based and climate-informed advice reflects ICES commitment to tackling the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and increasing pressures on marine ecosystems. By integrating social, cultural, and economic dimensions alongside ecological data, the plan aims to produce actionable insights tailored to the complexities of modern marine management.
Innovation and efficiency in providing advice are also emphasized, with the use of advanced technologies and tools such as artificial intelligence, automated data flows, and the Transparent Assessment Framework to ensure quality-assured, reproducible, and fit-for-purpose advice. An increased emphasis on stakeholder engagement further underscores our dedication to relevance and accessibility, fostering closer collaboration with policymakers, industries, and communities.
“With our latest Advisory Plan, we are advancing our capacity to provide advice that is not only credible and impartial but also aligned with global sustainability frameworks," says Lordan.
Together, these updated plans set a forward-looking agenda to address the critical challenges facing oceans and to enhance ICES role as a global leader in ecosystem-informed advice and scientific innovation.
“The updated Science and Advisory plans have drawn on the vision and knowledge of ICES community,” says Alan Haynie, ICES General Secretary. “ICES will use these plans to help guide us in addressing the key scientific and advisory challenges that we face in the coming years.”
Find both ICES Science Plan and Advisory Plan in our library.
