Roberts, J. Murray, Devey, Colin W. , Biastoch, Arne , Carreiro-Silva, Marina, Dohna, Tina, Dorschel, Boris, Gunn, Vikki, Huvenne, Veerle A. I., Johnson, David, Jollivet, Didier, Kenchington, Ellen, Larkin, Kate, Matabos, Marjolaine, Morato, Telmo, Naumann, Malik S., Orejas, Covadonga, Perez, J. Angel A., Ragnarsson, Stefán Á., Smit, Albertus J., Sweetman, Andrew, Unger, Sebastian, Boteler, Benjamin and Henry, Lea-Anne (2023) A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status. Communications Earth & Environment, 4 (1). Art.Nr. 12. DOI 10.1038/s43247-022-00645-w.

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Abstract

Ocean ecosystems are at the forefront of the climate and biodiversity crises, yet we lack a unified approach to assess their state and inform sustainable policies. This blueprint is designed around research capabilities and cross-sectoral partnerships. We highlight priorities including integrating basin-scale observation, modelling and genomic approaches to understand Atlantic oceanography and ecosystem connectivity; improving ecosystem mapping; identifying potential tipping points in deep and open ocean ecosystems; understanding compound impacts of multiple stressors including warming, acidification and deoxygenation; enhancing spatial and temporal management and protection. We argue that these goals are best achieved through partnerships with policy-makers and community stakeholders, and promoting research groups from the South Atlantic through investment and engagement. Given the high costs of such research (€800k to €1.7M per expedition and €30–40M for a basin-scale programme), international cooperation and funding are integral to supporting science-led policies to conserve ocean ecosystems that transcend jurisdictional borders.

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