Towards equity in ocean science and conservation

To protect the world's largest ecosystem, we require the world's largest team. Unfortunately, issues of inequity have hindered our progress towards a just and healthy ocean. Here, I elucidate some of the fundamental issues of inequity in marine sciences and conservation, systemic issues that are holding us back from successfully driving change for our planet. These include parachute science and a dismissal of local and indigenous knowledge systems. I will highlight some key actions that can be taken by research communities, funding agencies, institutions and publishers that can shift existing inequities and ensure positive forward progress. These include actions around reshaping education, perceptions, attitudes, and working environments; rebalancing partnerships and collaborations; science analysis and publication; strengthening capacity and networking, and public engagement. I will also instigate a conversation around issues of inequity that have thus far not been discussed extensively, including increasing access to the ocean, pay-to-volunteer/volunteer programmes, persons living with disabilities and passion exploitation in an effort to invite others to contribute to this important conversation. Ultimately, the challenges of our ocean stem from systemic issues that if addressed, will significantly shift our current trajectory.