Earlier this month, the European Marine Board – an independent, pan-European think tank for marine research institutions – published the sixth edition of its Navigating the Future. Each report in this series serves as an essential guide for shaping the future of marine research. This sixth edition highlights the vital role of the ocean within the broader Earth system and sets specific research goals to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable use of marine resources. The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) fully supports these objectives, focusing its own research on two of the report’s core themes: marine biodiversity and the link between ocean and climate.
The ocean as a critical part of the Earth system
This week saw the release of Navigating the Future VI, a highly anticipated report from the European Marine Board (EMB), offering a comprehensive roadmap for the future of marine research and policy with targeted recommendations for policymakers and scientists. VLIZ supports these European efforts, continuing its commitment to an integrated approach in protecting our seas and oceans.
The latest EMB report emphasizes that the ocean does not exist in isolation but is an integral part of Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems. Ocean health is essential to human well-being and climate stability. European marine scientists are thus encouraged to cross disciplinary boundaries and collaborate to find solutions to today’s complex challenges.
VLIZ committed to groundbreaking and sustainable ocean research
VLIZ endorses the EMB vision to intensify and broaden scientific research on the ocean. The VLIZ research agenda aligns with the four central themes in the EMB report: human-ocean connection, climate, freshwater, and biodiversity. "Like the European Marine Board, we believe interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research is essential to safeguarding and future-proofing the ocean," said Jan Mees, General Director of VLIZ. "Our scientists are engaged not only with the ocean’s biological and chemical processes but also with the socio-economic dimensions of maritime management and policy."
In line with the EU's Horizon Europe program and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, VLIZ contributes to developing new marine observation systems and models. These technologies, including the Digital Twin of the Ocean, enable better prediction of changes in the marine environment, facilitating more targeted responses to the impacts of climate change and human activities. VLIZ stresses that sustainable ocean resource use is only possible through innovative scientific breakthroughs and enhanced collaboration across various sectors.
Focus on biodiversity and climate change
An essential aspect of the EMB report is its focus on biodiversity. The loss of marine species and the disruption of ecosystems have direct impacts on the ocean's services, such as food provision and climate regulation. VLIZ supports EMB’s call for greater investment in biodiversity monitoring and restoration programs.
The impacts of climate change on the ocean also receive special attention. VLIZ is researching ocean warming, the global carbon cycle, and the effects on biodiversity and ecosystems. These scientific insights will aid in formulating measures to protect the ocean from further harm.
Collaborating for a healthy future
VLIZ highlights that cooperation between scientists, policymakers, industry, and societal organizations is vital to maintaining a healthy and productive ocean. The EMB report points to the need for international collaboration to tackle global issues such as ocean pollution, overfishing, and marine protection. "At VLIZ, we are committed to collaborating both within Europe and globally to protect our seas. We support EMB's goals of bridging the gap between science and policy to ensure decisions are based on the best available knowledge," said the institute.
More information & press contact
Jan Mees, general director VLIZ: jan.mees@vliz.be | +32(0)476 86 96 23
