The VLIZ Marine Science Day 2024 was held on Wednesday 6 March in De Grote Post (Ostend)

This year’s VLIZ Marine Science Day (6 March 2024, Grote Post Oostende) was dedicated to the EU Mission Ocean and framed within the Belgian EU Presidency and the UN Ocean Decade. 

This edition of the VLIZ Marine Science Day was a very special one, as VMSD 2024 formally framed within the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union. This European and international dimension was reflected in the overarching themes of the day: this edition was firmly rooted in the EU Mission Ocean and the global perspective of the UN Ocean Decade. 

Renowned personalities such as Mission Ocean co-lead John Bell and esteemed diver-explorer Paul Rose delivered keynote speeches, setting the stage for a diverse program encompassing interactive sessions, presentations, and poster sessions. Covering a wide spectrum of topics - from marine biology to cutting-edge marine technology and policy – interactive and immersive sessions offered valuable insights and fostered meaningful exchanges. Participants from academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, industry, and the public sector were offered ample opportunities to engage, learn, and contribute to the goals of Mission Ocean and the UN Ocean Decade.  

Mission Ocean - With a 2030 target, the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters" aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments. The Mission’s new approach will address the ocean and waters as one and play a key role in achieving climate neutrality and restoring nature. The Mission supports regional engagement and cooperation through area-based “lighthouses” in major sea/river basins: Atlantic-Arctic, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic-North Sea, and Danube-Black Sea. Mission lighthouses are sites to pilot, demonstrate, develop and deploy the Mission activities across EU seas and river basins. more information

UN Ocean Decade - The UN Ocean Decade, spanning from 2021 to 2030, is a global initiative aimed at mobilizing international cooperation and scientific research to address the pressing challenges facing the world's oceans and coastal areas. With a focus on sustainable development, the Decade seeks to advance scientific knowledge, foster innovation, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. By bringing together governments, academia, industry, civil society, and other stakeholders, the Ocean Decade aims to drive transformative action to protect and restore ocean health, mitigate climate change impacts, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14. more information

EU Belgian Presidency - The Belgian presidency programme sets out the priorities and main directions of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU. The Belgian term takes place from the 1st of January to the 30th of June 2024. The Belgian presidency will work towards better protecting European citizens, strengthening our cooperation, and preparing our shared future. It will focus on six thematic areas, and will provide particular attention to maintaining our unwavering support to Ukraine. Carrying on with the Green Deal, the Presidency will place the energy and climate transition at the heart of its priorities. To reduce vulnerabilities to climate change, the Presidency will strive to enhance the Union’s circular economy and adaptive and preparedness capacities. more information