This paper examines the critical role of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) of the Mukkuvar fisher community in Trivandrum, Kerala, India in managing marine biodiversity and combating overfishing. Despite extensive documentation of their knowledge regarding intertidal zones, seabed ecosystems, coastal processes, lagoon estuaries, and other marine conditions since 2015, the Mukkuvar fishers face escalating challenges due to the lack of recognition and support for their customary management of marine spaces and traditional practices. Collaborative efforts between citizen scientists and professional researchers have led to the creation of India’s first Marine Biodiversity Register (MBR), highlighting significant findings such as identification of 29 rocky reefs and associated seabed ecosystems like sea sponges, seaweeds, sea worms, crabs, lobsters and more than 200 fish species. Confirming the ecological and socio-economic significance of these, in a latest study it identified over 1,200 marine species in the area included in the MBR. Three shipwreck sites were also identified in the Trivandrum district alone by the Mukkuvar fishers and later evidenced by the scuba divers. More than 100 rocky reefs and other seabed ecosystemes were also documented by Friends of Marine Life (FML), a local community organisation with the support of the fishers and a few mainstream scientists. Many ecosystems in a deeper sea (within the limit of 48 km from the shore) and open sea ecosystems (beyond the territorial waters of the countries) are identified by the Mukkuvar fishers, but yet to be documented. These fishers employ sustainable management practices including responsible fisheries based on principles of equitable resource distribution and minimal habitat disruption. However, the introduction of industrial fishing technologies like trawling and unchecked coastal infrastructure development like port construction has led to severe overfishing and habitat destruction. Not only that there is disappearance of beaches on the northern side of the hard structures. This paper argues for the urgent elevation of ILK in marine spatial planning (MSP) and policy making to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and the protection of coastal ecosystems, while emphasising the importance of integrating community knowledge into mainstream scientific approaches. 

Key words: ILK, Mukkuvar, Kerala, sustainability of marine resources, elevation/ integration

How to cite: Jament, J. and Yesudas, L.: Lack of recognition and support/elevation to ILK of Mukkuvar fisher community accelerating overfishing, disappearance of beaches and destruction of marine biodiversity in the Trivandrum coast of Kerala, India, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-88, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-88, 2025.

Mangroves and seagrass ecosystems in the Philippines are paramount for biodiversity conservation and the provision of essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and coastal protection. These critical blue carbon ecosystems have faced a 50% decrease in coverage since the 1980s, underscoring the need for effective conservation strategies. In response, a pioneering Citizen Science (CS) project has been implemented in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, to validate the recently launched Philippines Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) map created by the University of the Philippines. Leveraging local Indigenous knowledge and expertise, the project engages two mangrove-dependent villages, Poblacion Fisherfolk Association and Aras-asan Fisherfolk Association, as citizen scientists to map and identify mangrove and seagrass species, enhancing the accuracy of the MVI map through the integration of Indigenous perspectives with scientific methods.

The initiative represents a significant step in incorporating local ecological knowledge in the validation process, ensuring the identification of species and the extent of habitats are grounded in the lived experience and understanding of community members. By equipping local fisherfolk with GIS tools and training, this project fosters community empowerment and ownership over local conservation efforts. The expected outcomes include an enriched MVI map, a community-informed field validation protocol, and strengthened local capacity for environmental stewardship. This approach not only provides invaluable data for scientists and policymakers but also promotes sustainable management practices informed by those who intimately depend on and interact with these ecosystems.

How to cite: Rivera, F. C., Cababarros, E., and Obsina, A. M.: Empowering Local Stewardship: Citizen Science for the Validation of Mangrove and Seagrass Ecosystems in the Philippines, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-90, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-90, 2025.

Spatial planning is essential in the interdisciplinary management of dynamic coastal environments. However, conventional approaches to spatial planning do not focus on the comprehensive representation and visual communication of place-based knowledge (e.g., Indigenous and Local Knowledge systems). This oversight limits the contextual applicability of planning decisions. To understand this issue’s relevance in Nova Scotia, the suitability of six Decision Support Tools (DST) used in spatial planning for representing local perspectives was explored. Through a scoping review and semi-structured interviews with spatial planners, researchers, and users of coastal environments in Nova Scotia, key characteristics that make DST useful in representing place-based knowledge, as well as certain tool design limitations, were identified. Also identified were the generalized stages of the spatial planning process at which each of the selected DST are most effectively applied. The results are meant to inform the use and design of DST in a way that better account for and serve local coastal users throughout different stages of the spatial planning process, thereby supporting informed and equitable decision-making.

How to cite: Khan, J.: Exploring the Representation of Place-Based Knowledge in Spatial Planning in Nova Scotia, Canada, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-225, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-225, 2025.

Relatively little is known about the impact of global warming on the tropical cyclone (TC) outflow, despite its large contribution to TC intensity. In this study, based on the IBTrACS dataset and ERA5 reanalysis data, we show that TC outflow height has risen significantly in the past decades (1959-2021) over the western North Pacific, and the rising trend tends to be sharper for stronger TCs. This rising trend of the outflow height explains the contradiction between the decrease trend of the TC outflow temperature and the increase trend of the atmospheric troposphere temperature. Moreover, the possible contribution of TC outflow height trend to TC intensity has also been investigated. The results show that the rise of outflow height leads to the decrease of outflow temperature, and thus an increased difference between underlying sea surface temperature (SST) and TC outflow temperature, which eventually favors the increase of TC intensity.

How to cite: He, H., Sun, Y., Yao, Y., Zhong, W., and Feng, Z.: Trends of western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outflow Height and Temperature under Global Warming, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-235, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-235, 2025.

For 15 years, and at a slow pace, an adaptive alliance has been built among three key voices of the fishing sector in Colombia. A developing country, where nine artisanal fishing communities (representing all coastal departments of the country), decided to work with the Academy (Universidad del Magdalena) and the National Authority of Aquaculture and Fisheries (in Spanish: Autoridad Nacional de Acuicultura y Pesca –AUNAP–), in order to identify fishery management measures that respond to local needs and thus create Consensual Fisheries Management Agreement (in Spanish: Acuerdo Consensuado de Manejo Pesquero – ACMP –). Each ACMP responds to the phases of diagnosis and formulation of fisheries management, based on the dialogue between scientific knowledge and the ecological knowledge of the communities in different stages of a participatory research process (Stage 1: 2008-2012; Stage 2: 2014-2015; Stage 3: 2020-2021). In this last Stage, and on behalf of the participating fishing communities, the Academy delivered each ACMP proposal to AUNAP, to be evaluated and transformed into public policy resolutions, which in turn are the baseline for the next phase of implementation and monitoring. To date, six democratically elected management measures have been formalized as a contribution to fisheries governance with the participation of the communities from the beginning to the end of the decision-making process. The lessons learned during these years have been compiled in the book/guide “Participatory Fisheries Management in Colombia” (open access: https://editorial.unimagdalena.edu.co/Editorial/Publicacion/4296), which provides the methodologies adjusted to the legal framework established by AUNAP for fisheries management in the country. It seeks to be an adaptive tool to the context and needs of each territory to strengthen fisheries governance in the country.

How to cite: Saavedra-Diaz, L. M., Jiménez-Torres, J. M., Botto-Barrios, D., and Pardo, R.: Honoring the “Consensual Fisheries Management Agreements” between fishing communities and the Fisheries Authority to move towards Participatory Governance in Colombia, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-755, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-755, 2025.

To secure a safe and just future for our oceans and generations to come, Coastal Voices, a transdisciplinary research collective, upholds and practices science and conservation that is revitalizing ancient Indigenous laws and knowledge systems. We are accountable to, and uphold the rights and responsibilities of, Indigenous Hereditary Leaders and their Nations along the West Coast of Canada. Coastal Voices was born out of the need to replace present colonial ocean policies and governance arrangements that have been unsuccessful at supporting resilient coastal social-ecological relationships. In contrast, ancestral Indigenous laws better reflect interlinked social and ecological processes and objectives that are place-based yet nested within regional governance systems. A Steering Committee of Indigenous Hereditary leaders, representing Chiefs’ Councils of the nuučaanuɫ, Haíɫzaqv and Xaayda Nations, guides Coastal Voices, our collective of cultural advisors, practitioners, artists, and a research team of natural and social settler scientists and Indigenous scholars. Together, we examine how the revitalization of Indigenous laws, such as respect, responsibility and balance, and stewardship practices, such as sea gardens and hunting, can support food sovereignty, cultural identity, and biodiversity conservation amid the recovery of a keystone predator, the sea otter, and a changing ocean climate. 

Coastal Voices strives to live our words by putting research results and stewardship practices into action. In summer 2024 we helped build a clam garden, a type of ancestral sea garden, that increases production of clams by buffering them from climate extremes. To inform continued care-taking actions in the future, we also co-created a simulation model that allows us to compare how sea otter-human-shellfish relationships may change under alternative stewardship scenarios. Through an iterative process of workshops, witnessing, interviews, and validation with Indigenous leaders, we identified diverse objectives and responsibilities of Indigenous leaders, and brought in empirical data to create a model rooted in place-based Indigenous knowledge systems, the ancient laws of balance, respect, and interconnectedness, and western science. By upholding ancestral Indigenous authority, protocols, and laws, our Coastal Voices approach reflects an ancient and unique way to create equitable, relevant science that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and supports Nation-to-Nation environmental governance and knowledge mobilization processes. This approach elevates Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and governance authority in science and its application in ocean decision-making.

How to cite: Kobluk, H., Wilson, K. B., and Salomon, A.: “Coastal Voices”: creating resilient, reciprocal human-ocean relationships by upholding Indigenous laws through knowledge co-production and collaborative action., One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-928, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-928, 2025.

In this presentation, we will discuss various contributions, either published or in the process of publication, made by the benthic research group of a Mediterranean marine research center towards advancing Ocean Literacy (OL). The general focus of the different studies is on how social groups that have participated in research projects have increased or improved knowledge about the ocean thanks to working together with marine scientists. These contributions are presented from a local perspective with a global reach. Examples will include efforts to recover local ecological knowledge from fishers, evaluate their scientific OL and analyze cultural consensus and personal networks. We will also explore thought trends, aligned with OL dimensions and using Q methodology, among divers participating in a citizen engagement study of urban marine ecosystems dominated by gorgonians in Barcelona. Additionally, we will explain the creation of scientific narratives in the context of climate change aimed at addressing and bridging science with the educational sector through training and educational resources. Finally, we will address capacity-building efforts led by research centers to face OL challenges, incorporating the perspectives of the scientists involved.

How to cite: Salazar Villacorta, J., Gili, J.-M., Vendrell-Simón, B., and Gómez, S.: Contributions to Ocean Literacy from Benthic Ecology Research, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1094, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1094, 2025.

Over the past 50 years, global oceanic shark abundances have declined by 70% and the risk of extinction has reached more than half of all reef shark species, largely due to overfishing. This dramatic reduction threatens marine ecosystem stability in a time of accelerating climate change and endangers the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on this fauna. This situation highlights the urgent need for conservation approaches that respect and integrate local perspectives limiting the negative impacts in the wellbeing of local communities.

The ecological role and importance of sharks in marine ecosystems have received particular attention in light with their massive decline. However, this western view of approaching conservation only captures one of the multidimensional values of sharks for socio-ecosystems. Relying solely on their ecological importance could lead to unsuitable and inefficient conservation measures. In fact, other dimensions, such as economic, cultural and traditional values, are essential to consider to address efficient conservation policy.

Here, we review the multidimensional importance of sharks inside socio-ecosystems by addressing a multidisciplinary approach. We then identify biocultural indicators specific to sharks, linking ecological factors to cultural practices and values in coastal socio-ecosystems. The integration of local knowledge with academic studies reveal patterns of interactions between artisanal fisheries and sharks, fishing practices, ecosystem health and socio-economic conditions, including food security and local responses to management strategies.

Ultimately, this biocultural approach will inform conservation policies that align with global sustainable development goals, promoting socio-ecosystem based management that is both ecologically effective and culturally respectful at the community level, and are likely to be more successful.

How to cite: Massey, Y., Bach, P., Sabinot, C., and Mourier, J.: The need to incorporate the multidimensional value of sharks to improve management of socio-ecosystems, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1098, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1098, 2025.

As the volume of ocean economic activity increases, accurate and comprehensive data on the performance of ocean economy industries and their effects on the marine environment are evermore essential. Statistics such as the contribution of ocean economic activities to national output, GDP, and employment provide crucial information for managing marine space. They enable policymakers to make informed decisions on resource allocation, conservation strategy, and the energy transition.

The OECD has been working to improve ocean economy measurement for the best part of a decade by addressing gaps in knowledge and developing robust methodologies alongside its member countries and partner economies (OECD, 2016). The recently released OECD report on “The Ocean Economy in 2050” provides internationally comparable statistics on the evolution of ocean economic activities over the past 25 years and evidence-based recommendations for using this information to improve the environmental sustainability of the ocean economy going forwards. Combining the expertise of marine researchers with that of national statistical officers to develop national “ocean economy thematic accounts” is integral to assessing the economic importance of a healthy ocean for national economies (Jolliffe et al., 2021). Integrating economic statistics into science and innovation decision-making can further drive research that supports marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable use of marine resources (OECD, 2019).

This presentation will underscore the importance of ocean economic statistics as a key component of the knowledge systems required for informed decision-making and will highlight how OECD initiatives are contributing to building more resilient and sustainable ocean economy governance practices globally.

References:

OECD (2025), OECD Ocean Economy Monitor Website, Ocean Economy Monitor

Jolliffe J., et al. (2021), Blueprint for improved measurement of the international ocean economy: An exploration of satellite accounting for ocean economic activity", OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/aff5375b-en

OECD (2019), Rethinking Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264311053-en.

OECD (2016), The Ocean Economy in 2030, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264251724-en.

How to cite: Jolliffe, J., Jolly, C., and Abdallah, C.: The Importance of Economic Statistics in Shaping Ocean Policy , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1184, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1184, 2025.

The Arctic continues to warm and becomes more accessible with activities expanding into new, and often vulnerable areas. It has therefore never been more important to assess the ecosystem and support a holistic ecosystem-based management to point out solution options for ecological, social and economic sustainability across and beyond National jurisdictions.

Strengthening cooperation on Ecosystem Based Management across the marine Arctic is among the main priorities for the Norwegian Chair ship of the Arctic Council 2023-2025 and facilitating the implementation in the 18 Arctic Large Marine Ecosystems is the main goal across working groups, Indigenous knowledge and Observers in the Arctic Council.

In 2024, the Norwegian Chair ship of the Arctic Council and the Institute of Marine Research hosted a International Conference on the Ecosystem Approach to Management in the Arctic Large Marine Ecosystems in Tromsø, Norway.

The conference spanned across three main components of the EA framework –“Governance/Policy” and “Knowledge/Science” and the “communication links” which includes the goals, advice and value, making the link between “Governance/Policy” and “Knowledge/Science” operative and brought together 246 science, industry, policy and management experts from the Arctic Council states and from Europe and Asia (total 27 countries) as well as three of the six Permanent Participants, including the Saami Council, the Aleut International Association, and the Inuit Circumpolar Council, academics, non-profit organizations, and students to explore implementation of the ecosystem approach in the arctic.

The suggestions and solutions from this conference on how to proceed in develop and implement the EBM in the Arctic Large Marine Ecosystems are presented in this talk and includes an iterative ecosystem based and holistic managment around common values.

How to cite: Jørgensen, L.: Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) in a Rapidly Warming Arctic: Sharing experiences and challenges, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1246, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1246, 2025.

How to cite: Rintz, C. L., Charvolin, F., Serranito, B., Jacquin, M., Mebarki, C., Bouet, A., Beauvois, A., Goberville, É., Hubert, A., Lecerf, A., Le Viol, I., Mansilla Sanchez, A., Norvez, O., Ysnel, F., Feunteun, É., and Leroy, B.: Co-constructing science with society: monitoring long-term effects of global change on intertidal rocky shores through citizen science, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1327, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1327, 2025.

Community connections to mangrove ecosystems are deeply influenced by unique cultural, environmental, and historical contexts, shaping how people rely on and interact with these fragile landscapes. In some areas, traditional uses of mangroves remain integral to daily life, while in others, these ecosystems are cherished for their protective qualities, with direct use now selective or largely historical. Shifts in economic development, regulatory measures, and growing concerns over pollution have often moved communities away from traditional practices, though mangroves still play a crucial role in supporting local livelihoods, particularly fishing.

In the postcolonial Caribbean, particularly in the two field sites of Martinique and Jamaica, people’s perceptions of environmental decline, often accompanied by feelings of powerlessness or social and ecological injustice, reflect the broader impacts of global economic pressures and historical influences on local ecosystems. In this region, especially in Francophone islands, mangroves' cultural and symbolic meaning further enriches these connections, creating a bond that transcends direct use alone.

Geographical context also adds complexity; proximity to mangroves deepens community connections in areas with compact landscapes, even if day-to-day reliance has changed. Embracing these varied and layered relationships—spanning environmental, cultural, and spatial connections—is essential for crafting strategies that not only protect these vital ecosystems but also support the livelihoods and well-being of the communities that depend on them.

How to cite: Fardin, F.: Cultural currents and coastal seascapes: People and Mangroves, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1539, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1539, 2025.

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is increasingly being recognized as a valuable component of ecological modeling, including in the creation of species distribution models (SDMs). SDMs are used to make inferences about the distribution of suitable habitat for species of interest and can provide valuable information about the occurrence of these species. However, data and monitoring limitations can be especially pronounced in remote areas, creating a need for affordable, reliable, and timely information. In fisheries studies, incorporating LEK from fishers may be a valuable way to fill data gaps in predicting fish species occurrence over spatiotemporal scales and can be useful for marine spatial planning. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal and biophysical characteristics of a billfish fishery in Costa Rica through a mixed methods approach combining satellite tracking data of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and sport fisher LEK elicited through semi-structured interviews and participatory mapping. To compare these two methods for understanding billfish distribution, we created SDMs using either satellite tag data or LEK participatory maps for billfish occurrences and examined the environmental profiles within the satellite tracking and participatory map locations. Overall, we found that although participatory mapping of fishing grounds is confined by distance to shore, the fisher-mapped sailfish and blue marlin niches provide valuable fine-scale near-shore data and overlap with several spatial and environmental features revealed by satellite tracking data. From this case study, we suggest important considerations when incorporating LEK and other ecological monitoring methods for ecological modeling and marine management. Our findings provide a social-ecological perspective of the Costa Rican billfish fishery while demonstrating the potential of fisher knowledge to help address data gaps and complement satellite tracking data in spatiotemporal modeling of economically and ecologically important billfish, with implications for data-poor fisheries worldwide.

How to cite: Berkowitz, D., Haulsee, D., Blondin, H., Schmitz, O., Ruiz Gonzaga, L., and Crowder, L.:  A social-ecological study of a Costa Rica fishery through fisher local ecological knowledge and satellite tracking, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1576, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1576, 2025.

Aotearoa New Zealand, like many other countries, has reached a point where increasing tensions and stressors afflicting our marine environment have highlighted a need for transformation. In order to promote the health and wellbeing of our oceans, the concepts, values and interests that drive human interactions, decision making and prioritisations in regard to the ocean must be revisited. This has been demonstrated, both locally and internationally, in the mounting momentum towards sustainability, increasing sensitivity to non-financial factors and the social license to operate in industries dependent on natural resources.

This context paved the way for this research project Tangaroa Ararau – Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga Māori and the marine environment. For Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, Tangaroa is the deified term given to the physical ocean environment and all life within it.

Māori pedagogies invoke direct genealogical connections to Tangaroa, a relationship that compels humans to act with a sense of familial responsibility: a set of behaviours and beliefs that, through this research, can be a foundational framework to put Tangaroa at the heart of the management and governance of the marine environment.

This research aimed to reimagine Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine governance system, placing the ocean at its center,  and upholding the rights guaranteed to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi—the foundational Treaty between the British Crown and Māori. In collaboration with Māori experts, the research established core design principles grounded in indigenous knowledge. These principles provided a foundation for examining the challenges and biases in current marine governance frameworks and supported the development of new, future-focused models.

Futures-thinking methods, such as futures triangles, causal layered analysis, and scenario planning, were also used to analyse key trends, anticipate disruptions, and design governance options that prioritise values-driven, inclusive, and ocean-centered decision-making. The findings emphasise the critical role of indigenous perspectives and values in creating an ocean-centered governance system that equally considers the wellbeing of the environment as well as the diverse communities that depend on it.

Establishing transformative, ocean-centric governance models requires broad, principles-based alignment across the spectrum of institutions and communities. A holistic approach built on a foundation of Māori values, that empowers local communities and adopts intergenerational planning horizons, could form a resilient, equitable, and unique marine governance framework capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

Such a transformation requires shifting hearts and minds of all people with a connection to the ocean. In order to convey the findings of this research to a broader audience, the research was disseminated in culturally meaningful ways, including through an art exhibition event featuring toi Māori (Māori art), whakairo (carvings), waiata (song), and tā moko (tattooing), drawing a connection between the emotional connection of art and the sea to the prevailing policy issues of the time. This approach aims to inspire a shared commitment to an ocean-centered future for Aotearoa, uniting people in the effort to look after and care for our ocean.

How to cite: Tupara-Katene, B., Katene, T. P., Irwin-Easthope, H., and Walker, T. A.: Tangaroa Ararau:  Reimagining Ocean Governance by Integrating Indigenous Perspectives for a Sustainable Future, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1237, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1237, 2025.

In these critical times it is essential to examine core concepts in our decision-making processes. Unlike Western mindsets which consider the natural world to be something to exploit, indigenous people have always considered themselves as part of nature, with a responsibility to care for flora, fauna, and physical entities. The people of Oceania have a relationship with the Ocean that involves both a practical stewardship and a spiritual connection. The Ocean to them is an ancestor, a sacred space, and a partner in survival. This presentation will discuss this relationship from an indigenous point of view and suggest that this philosophy is a way forward for conservation and management of the oceans.

How to cite: Teavai-Murphy, T.: Voice of the Ocean, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1427, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1427, 2025.

This study develops the first comprehensive collection and organization of scientific and traditional knowledge aimed at transforming the uses of the oceans towards ecological sustainability and social equity in Galicia (NW Spain). By developing a new protocol to collect, systematize and analyze initiatives with transformative potential in the oceans, we identify three key dimensions to guide transformative knowledge: practices, institutional structures, and values. The paper analyzes the state of knowledge of these initiatives and how they are able to promote an improvement of the oceanic scientific culture and social well-being. The initiatives include a wide range of ocean activities such as small-scale fisheries, shellfishing activities and aquaculture. Our results suggest that the generation and dissemination of scientific and traditional knowledge can be a necessary but not sufficient factor to generate positive outcomes of the initiatives on environmental sustainability and social equity.

How to cite: Villasante, S., Seijo, J., and García-Allut, A.: Analyzing initiatives with transformative potential for the oceans and people, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-786, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-786, 2025.

Artisanal fishing is a culturally and economically significant sector in Colombia, supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities and contributing to food security. However, this sector faces challenges, including high operational uncertainty, limited technology, and restricted access to information. In response, we created a Smart Fishing Zone (SFZ) forecasting system that integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific modeling, providing near real-time forecast to guide assist artisanal fishers in locating viable fishing areas. This tool not only improves the profitability and socio-economic stability of coastal households by reducing search time, fuel costs, and labor, allowing fishers more time with their families, fostering stronger community bonds. Additionally, the system cultivates trust in science and technology, supporting the transition to sustainable, data -driven recourse management. The SFZ forecasting system is built on empirical additive models derived from collaborative knowledge, aligning fishers traditional ecological insights with scientific data. These models generate spatial probability maps for over 40 fish species critical to local food security and economic sustenance. Species were classified into eight Operational Fishery Groups (OFGs), covering a range of marine habitats, including upper-pelagic, estuarine, and oceanic environments. These groups allow targeted predictions that meet the specific needs of Colombia’s Pacific coastal communities. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, forecast results are disseminated daily through a WebGIS platform, co-developed with stakeholder input to maximize usability. The platform’s development involved extensive collaboration across phases—benchmarking, identity design, database structuring, model integration, and user testing—culminating in an open-access, user-friendly interface. By equipping fishers with timely, scientifically validated information, this tool supports informed decision-making, resilience, and environmental stewardship. This project exemplifies the principles of open science within the context of Colombian Pacific fisheries, bridging traditional knowledge and modern innovation. By fostering social empowerment and supporting adaptive response to oceanic changes, we aim to strengthen food security, reinforce community resilience, and promote sustainable, smart fishing practices that align with both environmental and socio-economic objectives.

How to cite: Selvaraj, J. J., Correa Ramírez, M. A., Herrera Rozo, F. A., Miranda Parra, M. A., and Cifuentes Ossa, M. A.: A Step Forward in Sustainable Marine Stewardship: Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Open Science in Colombian Pacific Fisheries, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1236, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1236, 2025.

Sound knowledge and understanding of the ocean, a critical component of the Earth systems, is essential to mitigate human impacts on the global environment and to promote the ocean’s sustainable use and blue economy. Effective ocean management depends on marine observations, generated by existing national or regional ocean observing systems and networks. In the last two decades, significant investment in ocean observing infrastructures and facilities has been made by Italy to contribute to the European effort on ocean observations. As emphasised by the Italian Oceanographic Commission (COI), the national body of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, it is mandatory to coordinate the national effort on ocean observations and implement a single portal where all Italian marine monitoring systems and modelling results are displayed and all marine data are visible and easily accessible.

On this aim, the ITINERIS Marine Domain is establishing the Italian Integrated Ocean Observing System (IT-IOOS) to coordinate national observations to improve quality and interoperability of ocean data, for three critical themes: climate, operational services, and marine ecosystem health.  ITINERIS Marine Domain is building up IT-IOOS by incorporating and scaling-up existing ocean observing capabilities via integration and harmonization of observations carried out by RIs.  The involved marine RIs are the Italian nodes of  DANUBIUS, eLTER, EMSO ERIC, EURO-ARGO, EUROFLEETS, ICOS ERIC, JERICO, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, N/R Laura Bassi, SIOS, GeoSciences. The National Marine Data Center, designed by the Italian Oceanographic Commission, national body of  as a distributed system, is under implemention in order to provide a single access point to Italian marine data.  The IT-IOOS data center will be interfaced with existing RI data centers as well as thematic data centers and ITINERIS central HUB.

Thanks to ITINERIS project, crucial data gaps in EOVs and EBVs observation will be filled to ensure continuity and increase monitoring of biochemistry, biological and ecosystem EOVs. On this aim, key sites is upgraded to improve acquisition of biological observations at ecosystem level by exploiting both automated and new technologies.  The capability of Italian research ships to provide continuous NRT ship-based observations has been expanded  to contribute to the international effort on full-depth, coast-to-coast ship based transect measurements. Data will be made available through the IT-IOOS data center in order to guarantee data fairness. . Finally, pilot services will be developed to tackle overarching marine issues and to respond to key stakeholder requirements, this will allow to demonstrate the impact of the integration and harmonization of data and facilities. This will enhance and strengthen the actions undertaken for the study, management and protection of the sea system by the research community and stakeholders.

How to cite: Santoleri, R. and Team, I. M. D. and the Rosalia SANTOLERI & the ITINERIS Marine Domain Team: ITINERIS - Italian Integrated Environmental Research Infrastructures System - Marine Domain , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1284, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1284, 2025.

Marine research impact should be translated into economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits to lead to progress and social transformation towards more sustainable scenarios and more resilient coastal territories. For this to take place: 1) scientific knowledge should reach public and private agents and sectors, as well as the society as a whole, and 2) recipients should be permeable to this knowledge. Facilitating the proper knowledge flow would give it greater transformative potential, advancing in marine sustainaility.
In the frame of the Complementary Plan for Marine Sciences (PCCiencias Mariñas), an Integrated Management Model for Scientific Knowledge Flow in Marine Sciences was developed, specifically adapted to the environmental, sociocultural, economic and institutional context of Galicia. It is based on a integrated approach including scientific culture, knowledge transfer and training, as catalysts for innovation and social transformation, to move towards a paradigm shift in knowledge management, where a holistic conception prevails.

How to cite: Fernandez Otero, R. M. and Pintado Valverde, J. and the Rosa M Fernández Otero 1: Galicia Marine Science Programme, a transformative approach to knowledge management, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-1397, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1397, 2025.

The impact of global warming on the tropical cyclone (TC) track and intensity by reasons of data inhomogeneity and large natural variability over a relatively short period of observation is still controversial. Three carbon emission sensitivity experiments are conducted to investigate how TC track and intensity respond to changes in the oceanic and atmospheric environment under global warming. The results show a high sensitivity of the simulated TC track and intensity to global warming. On the one hand, with increase in carbon emissions, the western Pacific subtropical high expands notably, increasing the poleward steering flow and eventually leading to a poleward shift of TC. On the other hand, the underlying sea-surface temperature and surface entropy flux increase and, thus, favor the convections near the eyewall. Moreover, the TC structure becomes more upright, which is closely related to the larger pressure gradient near the eyewall. Therefore, TC intensity increases with carbon emissions. However, this increase is notably smaller than the maximum potential intensity theory as the TC intensity can reach a threshold if carbon emission still increases in the future. The involved mechanisms on the changes of TC track and intensity are also revealed.

How to cite: Feng, Z., Sun, Y., He, H., and Yao, Y.: Trend of Tropical Cyclone Track and Intensity under Global Warming: A Numerical Investigation, One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-232, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-232, 2025.

In an article published in Le Monde on January¹, 2024, I alerted public opinion to the need to include the French Overseas Territories more fully in the now crucial issue of ocean governance, - on which President Macron hoped, in his 2019 declaration on sea policy, that France would be in the “vanguard”-. Although the French Overseas Territories alone account for 97% of the French EEZ, and constitute a remarkable singularity of the French oceanic space, their contributions remain minoritized, even denied. How can such invisibilization be understood in a context where, as the present Theme 1 indicates, the plurality of knowledge is tending to be recognized and valued? What can the French Overseas Territories teach us about France's relationship with the ocean? What can they teach us about how we need to renew humanity's relationship with the ocean? We propose to provide some answers, based on a three-year anthropological survey of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans where France has Overseas territories.

How to cite: Artaud, H.: What can the French Overseas Territories teach us about how we need to renew humanity's relationship with the ocean? , One Ocean Science Congress 2025, Nice, France, 3–6 Jun 2025, OOS2025-449, https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-449, 2025.