SCOPE
Earths' changing climate and environmental stressors present global problems for the sustainability of marine ecosystems and management of marine resources. Scientists, policy makers, Indigenous peoples, and communities, at regional, national and international scales, must work together to identify the best pathway to take care of the ocean. This includes developing actionable science through interdisciplinary and transboundary research, the inclusion of human dimensions in research and management, and the inclusion of policy and regulatory decision makers in science processes to bridge the science/policy interface. Interdisciplinary science collaboration is needed to understand complex issues, such as the impacts of climate extremes on marine resources and coastal communities, cumulative impacts of multiple stressors, changes in biodiversity, and the effectiveness of marine protected areas. Recent advancements in research and monitoring tools, artificial intelligence, as well as social and economic -oriented investigations show promise in improving our understanding of marine ecosystems and our ability to resolve socioeconomic and environmental conflicts. Key is the communication of science, along with uncertainty and risk, to policy and decision makers. Research by PICES expert groups can feed into actionable science, such as projections, status assessments, and solution-based science. The PICES 2026 annual science meeting will bring together early, mid, and late- career ocean professionals to discuss, develop, and advance science that is actionable for a rapidly changing ocean.