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SUMMARY REPORT

WG2 : A Healthy and Resilient Ocean

Co-conveners : Youn-Ho Lee Executive Planning Group of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Korea

Institute of Ocean Science and Technology Binh Thanh Nguyen Directorate of Fisheries, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Aileen Tan Shau Hwai Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sans Malaysia Phoebe Woodworth-Jefcoats NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Polina Lobanova Saint Petersburg University 1.0 Introduction

2.0 General Descriptions of the conduct of the WG discussion Prior to the workshop, questionnaires were sent to participants who had expressed their interest to join WG2. The questionnaires intend to guide the discussions during the workshop as well as to address the objectives of WG2 (as shown below):

WG2 : A Healthy and Resilient Ocean whereby marine ecosystems are mapped and protected, multiple impacts, including climate change, are measured and

reduced, and provision of ocean ecosystem services is maintained

Objectives of WG 2 discussions

• identify the knowledge gaps and science questions that need to be addressed in the region through the Decade to achieve the six societal outcomes;

• develop an understanding of existing and potential scientific international initiatives, programmes, partnerships and resources relevant to addressing these knowledge gaps and science questions;

• elaborate on the role of cross-cutting themes in addressing the science questions: capacity development and marine technology transfer; financing and partnership; data and information sharing and knowledge exchange, communication and awareness, and share good practices if any;

• identify, if needed, additions/modifications to R&D priority areas for inclusion in the Decade implementation plan.

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WG2 received 34 responses from 15 countries to the questionnaire. The responses were compiled and all the answers were listed and ranked based on the feedback given by the respondents (examples shown below). These responses and summaries were then used to guide the working group’s discussions.

During the WG2 discussion, which was held on Day 1 and Day 2, more than 50 participants attended the session. Below is the allocation of time and objectives that were addressed during the discussion.

No. Initiative/ Program % 1 Target group for capacity building 40.74 2 Transdisciplinary approaches: Provide monitoring and

management tools 11.11

3 Develop common SOP based on existing scientific knowledge and Best practices (Standardization of measurements/ monitoring)

7.41

4 Sustainable used of ecosystem services 3.70 5 National & private sector engagement 3.70 6 Stress a role of oceans in global change 3.70 7 Marine atmospheric chemistry - impacts of climate sensitive chemical

species 3.70

8 Coastal habitat mapping 3.70 9 Marine ecotourism/tourism carrying capacity 3.70

10 Taxonomy- application of modern technique 3.70 11 Technological innovation

• Sensor development • Use of Al • communication system

3.70

12 Fisheries refugia 3.70 13 Hazard warning 3.70 14 Improve communication + awareness 3.70 !

Top 12 Initiatives/ Programmes

No. Initiative/ Program % 1. UNESCO – IOC/ WESTPAC

(Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Western Pacific)

13.25

2. PEMSEA (Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia)

8.43

3. PICES (North Pacific Marine Science Organization) 8.43

4. CTI (Coral Triangle Initiative) 6.02

5. YSLME (Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem) 3.61

6. NOWPAP (Northwest Pacific Action Plan) 3.61

7. GEF/UNEP (Global Environment Facility/ United Nations Environment Programme)

3.61

8. IGBP (past) (International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme) 2.41

9. NOWPAP (Northwest Pacific Action Plan of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2.41

10. COBSEA (Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia) 2.41

11. UN – SDG 14 (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14) 2.41

12. AP- MBON (Asia Pacific Marine Biodiversity Observation Network) 2.41

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46 Initiatives/ Programmes were listed from the feedback

Day 1:

• Focused on identifying knowledge gaps/science questions - Compiled all questionnaire responses and additional inputs from the WG2

participants - Aligned them with the 6 outcomes of the 1st GPM if possible - Composed 3 additional categories of knowledge gaps/science questions

Day 2: • Based on the identified knowledge gaps/science questions (KG/SQ) from Day 1;

- Compiled existing initiatives/programs/partnerships that meet each KG/SQ - Developed potential new initiatives/programs/partnerships for each KG/SQ - Discussed cross-cutting issues - Compiled further suggestions for revision of the Decade Roadmap

or for inclusion in the Science Action Plan of the Decade

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During the discussion on Day 1, the co-conveners realized that it was more relevant to base the discussion on the six (6) outcomes of the 1st Global Planning Meeting (GPM) but geared the discussion to suit the Regional needs. After doing so, the discussions were more focused and more productive. WG2 identified the additional knowledge gaps and science questions shown below. The discussion also generated information on knowledge gaps, further separating them into main gaps and sub-gaps.

After the Discussion on Day 1, the co-conveners compiled the responses and feedback from the participants and created a table incorporating the KG/SQ from GPM, the Knowledge gaps discussed at the workshop (main gaps and sub-gaps), potential new activities, and also the existing initiatives/networks/partnerships. By having all this information in ONE table, it was easier to focus discussions and avoid losing focus or diverting to other irrelevant matters. 3.0 Results of WG2 discussion Ten Knowledge Gaps / Science Question were identified through the WG2 discussions. The co-conveners compiled information into tables that incorporated:

• Knowledge gaps : main gaps and sub-gaps • Existing international initiatives/ networks/ partnerships in the region • Potential new activities / projects/ programmes

These tables are summarized below and presented in full in the Appendix. Knowledge Gaps / Science Questions 1 – 6 aligned with those identified in the Report of the First Global Planning. Knowledge Gaps / Science Questions 7 – 10 were identified during the Regional Workshop.

1. Structure and function of the ecosystem in the mesopelagic zone and other realms. Lack of quantitative understanding of mesopelagic ecosystem structure and its function. It was noted in discussion that this gap extends to other marine realms as well. Potential new activities: improving of our understanding of connectivity between ecosystems (mesopelagic, epipelagic, and bathypelagic); evaluation of its potential resources and sustainability (sustainable mesopelagic harvest, etc.)

Knowledge gaps and science questions Results of the 1st Global Planning Meeting

• Structure and function of the ecosystem in the mesopelagic zone and other realms • Interdependency between ecosystems • Ecosystem effects of impacts • Essential ocean variables and sampling issues • Modeling abrupt changes and phase shifts • Modeling the effects of unknown stressors on ecosystems

a) Additional Gaps from WG2 discussion b) Valuation of marine ecosystem services (mechanism and dynamics) c) Transboundary research d) Increased communication and awareness e) Science-policy interface

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2. Interdependency between ecosystems, including Ocean – Land, Ocean – Atmosphere and Surface Ocean – Deep Ocean interlinkages. Insufficient understanding of all kind of fluxes, biochemical cycles(carbon, oxygen, nutrients, etc.), and anthropogenic effects between ecosystems including waste streams and influences of physical, atmospheric and oceanographic processes on marine ecosystem dynamics. Potential new activities: development and coordination of different regional programs on management, spatial planning, and climate change influence in coastal and open ocean ecosystems.

3. Ecosystem effects of cumulative stressors. Multi- and transdisciplinary research on biochemical degradation processes (ocean acidification, deoxygenation, etc.), including marine heatwaves. Potential new activities: comparing the changes in different marine ecosystems under multiple stressors with a focus on emerging issues and adaptation of marine organisms to climate change; developing and mapping of marine health index.

4. Essential Ocean Variables (EOV) and sampling issues. Standardization of EOVs and data comparison. Potential new activities: establishment and standardization of protocols on marine ecosystem health with the use of next generation technology; global and regional coordination of observation networks.

5. Modeling abrupt changes and phase shifts. Long-term knowledge and monitoring of marine ecosystems using in situ and remote approaches (ecosystem mapping, remote sensing, automatic sensors, etc.); development of habitat management and conservation. Potential new activities: improving understanding of major trends in marine ecosystems and their resilience; development of model systems and remote sensing algorithms to analyze and predict changes in marine ecosystems; building capacity for long-term observing networks, data sharing and public availability of data.

6. Modeling the impacts on unknown stressors on ecosystems. No inputs were contributed for this Knowledge Gap / Science Question. This was because participants felt it wasn’t possible to identify gaps/questions for unknown stressors.

7. Valuation of marine ecosystem services (mechanism and dynamics). Improving fish stock management with a focus on sustainable production and consumption, as well as recovering marine biodiversity; understanding the value of convergence between marine science and maritime culture. Potential new activities: linking cultural resources and socio-ecological systems with marine ecosystem services including organization and promotion of different management training programs (ecosystem-based fishery management, etc.); encouraging development of EBM decision-making and policy frameworks.

8. Transboundary research (sub-regional, regional, and global). Understanding of effectiveness of Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks and their connection with national jurisdictions. Potential new activities: development of transboundary marine species management including management of MPAs and improving the effectiveness marine resource usage across national jurisdictions.

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9. Communication and awareness. Insufficient ocean literacy among public and the role of media (including digital) and citizen science in improving ocean literacy. Potential new activities: development and organization of scientific oceanographic programs for younger generations (schoolchildren, students, early career professionals) including development of apps and games; strengthening the role of aquariums and marine museums in propagation of knowledge of marine sciences, marine culture and ocean heritage.

10. Science and Policy Interface. Insufficient science communication with public and policy makers and the necessity to propose national, regional, and global marine policy recommendations and solutions. Potential new activities: collaboration between academia, researchers, policy makers, and industrial partners including cooperative projects involving early career professionals.

Summary of the potential new initiatives / programmes/ resources

• A total of 40 potential new initiatives / programmes were suggested across 10 identified gaps

• The potential new initiatives / programmes spanned a wide range of

approaches, including:

o Inter- and trans-disciplinary research o Next generation technologies o Process studies o Ecosystem and impact mapping o Building decision-making frameworks o Technology transfer

On Day 2, WG2 also focused on the roles of cross-cutting themes and new initiatives. The discussion resulted in the five main suggestions/comments shown below:

A. Increased communication and awareness - general comments: • Needs to be two-way communication between scientists, public, and policy

makers, including social media • Incorporate as part of all scientists’ job • Encourage further engagement, especially of policy-makers and private

sectors such as oil and gas companies (refer to the Knowledge Gap/Science Question #9 : added by WG2 during discussion) B. Science-policy interface

- general comments: • Encourage further engagement, especially of policy-makers

(refer to the Knowledge Gap/Science Question #10 : added by WG2 during discussion)

C. Capacity building and Technology transfer • Need to elaborate on target groups, which are targeted for capacity building (eg. building capacity of under-represented groups in the ocean science enterprise, or enhancing science infrastructure in Small Islands Developing States).

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• Involvement of government, scientists, private sector and the public • Citizen science for promoting public involvement • Mobility of younger generations such as students and early career scientists • Dissemination of new findings and technologies • Development of state-of-the-art technologies, e.g., AI, Space-ocean science

D. Data access

• Importance of local knowledge: the need to translate local references to additional languages in order to reach a global audience, and vice versa

• Linking regional and global databases E. Financing and partnerships

• International collaborative research • Integrating science and art/culture in partnership with maritime museums

and aquariums(e.g., maritime culture, history and ocean heritage) • Engagement of private sector and financial institutions, e.g., oil and gas

companies, IMF funds for climate change, Asian Development Bank, Schmidt Ocean Institute, etc.

• Crowd Funding

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Other additions / modifications to UN Decade Roadmap WG2 summarised the suggested additions / modifications from the respondents of questionnaires circulated prior to the workshop.

No. Initiative/ Program

Percent of Respondents

Identifying Initiative/Program

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Target of capacity building: Need to be more specific in terms of the target groups (participants) as well as the scope or field for capacity building

40.74

2 Transdisciplinary approaches: Provide monitoring and management too 11.11

3 Develop common SOP based on existing scientific knowledge and best practices (Standardization of measurements/ monitoring)

7.41

4 Sustainable use of ecosystem services 3.70

5 National & private sector engagement 3.70

6 Stress a role of oceans in global change 3.70

7 Marine atmospheric chemistry - impacts of climate sensitive chemical species 3.70

8 Coastal habitat mapping 3.70

9 Marine ecotourism/tourism carrying capacity 3.70

10 Taxonomy- application of modern techniques 3.70

11 Technological innovation: ● Sensor development, ● Use of Al, ● communication system

3.70

12 Fisheries refugia 3.70

13 Hazard warning 3.70

14 Improve communication & awareness 3.70 These suggestions could be incorporated into Science Action Plan if not added to the Roadmap of the UN Decade. 4.0 Summary of WG2 In general, the flow of the discussion was considered well planned and the responses of the participants were encouraging. Importantly, the objectives of the WG2 were achieved and the needs of the region have been captured through the workshop.

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Appendix – Tables summarizing Knowledge Gaps / Science Questions

Knowledge Gaps / Science Question #1

KG/SQ #1 Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Main gaps Sub-gaps

Structure and function of the ecosystem in the mesopelagic zone and other realms (from GPM)

Lack of quantitative understanding of mesopelagic (and other realm) ecosystem structure and function

• Taxonomy • Capacity building

• Quantitative understanding of the mesopelagic ecosystem structure and function and its connectivity to the epi- and bathypelagic ecosystems

• Evaluation of potentially underutilized sustainable resources, such as mesopelagic harvest

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • Ocean Sites Program • WHOI Twilight Initiative • SEAFDEC: surveys on mesopelagic and deep longline • Canadian MPAs • CLIOTOP / IMBeR • KIOST on North Pacific mesopelagic research • PICES: Working on mesopelagic methods, could help with research via Working Group, has collaborative

agreements with RFMOs (under-represented; WCPFC) • IOC-WESTPAC: coordinating organizations, operations, networks of observations & research • Ocean Health Index: always looking for new areas • North Pacific Fisheries Commission: minimizing impacts & mapping vulnerable ecosystems, international

waters

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Interdependency between ecosystems (from GPM)

Interlinkages between Ocean – Land, Ocean – Atmosphere, and Surface Ocean – Deep Ocean

• Carbon cycles • Oxygen fluxes • Nitrogen runoffs • Ocean circulation

(observations and models)

• Deep sea ecosystem

• Waste streams

• Development of Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Marine Spatial Planning (ICZM/MSP for Asia-Pacific region)

• Climate – Oceanographic process studies in the Bay of Bengal for social-ecological resilience

• Coordinate support for expanded deployment of biogeochemical ARGO

• Study on linkages between coastal and open ocean ecosystems through drifting and/or migrating organisms, e.g., Sargassum

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • PICES: publications on OA, deoxygenation, carbon cycle, etc. • FUTURE EARTH

• SOLAS • IMBeR • FUTURE Earth Coast

• SIMSEA • Sustainable Ocean Initiative (land-coastal connections) • PEMSEA

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KG/SQ #3 Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Main gaps Sub-gaps Ecosystem effects of impacts (from GPM)

Impact of cumulative stressors on the ocean (systematic methods for evaluation)

• Ocean acidification • Deoxygenation • Indicators for a

healthy and resilient ocean, including adaptive capacity

• Marine heatwaves • Multi- and trans-

disciplinary research

• Comparing the changes in different marine ecosystems under multiple stressors

• Focus on emerging issues, e.g., OA, introduced species, climate change, adaptation of marine organisms

• Measurement and/or monitoring for mitigation of or adaptation to climate change

• Footprint mapping of impact of cumulative stressors • Creating marine heatwave working group • Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives • EEZs / International waters

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • Past GeoHAB Asia • Canada Fisheries – Ocean Canada: MSP programmes • WESTPAC: Several working groups on OA, Ocean deoxygenation, Coral reef resilience • GO2NE (deoxygenation) • GOA-ON (OA) • SPC • SPREP • ICES working group: parallels in other regions

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Essential ocean variables and sampling issues (from GPM)

Standardization of EOVs & Data comparison

• Standardizing protocol for assessment of marine

ecosystem health • Development and use of next generation technology,

including the establishment of protocols • Global coordination of biological observation networks

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • Metadata Best Practices

• Ocean Best Practices • Darwin Core • EML

• Japanese eDNA standard protocol (eDNA Association) • IndiSeas • Ocean Health Index: NCEAS activities • World Ocean Assessment Group • IOC WESTPAC: Remote sensing working group & habitat mapping working group • Marine biodiversity observing network • GOOS (bio-economy)

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Modeling abrupt changes and phase shifts (from GPM)

Long-term knowledge and monitoring

• Ecosystem mapping • Habitat management &

conservation • Holistic approach

including traditional/local knowledge

• Remote sensing • Development of

automatic sensors for biological observation

• Understanding major driving factors and trends of marine ecosystems

• Building capacity for long-term biogeographical observing networks

• Improving remote sensing algorithms for various parameters

• Improving understanding of ecosystem resilience and tipping points

• Development of model systems to analyze and predict changes of environmental stressors and ecosystem responses

• Enhancement of data sharing and public availability of data

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • Remote sensing – ESA Copernicus • ARGO & bioARGO • Ocean Tipping Points – NCEAS • Coral Atlas (mapping coral reefs around the world) • WESTPAC: DRMREEF Working Group • GCRMN; PICES – FUTURE EARTH

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Knowledge Gaps / Science Question #6 No inputs were contributed in GPM Knowledge Gap / Science Question #6 : Modelling the impacts of unknown stressors on ecosystems. This was because participants felt it wasn’t possible to identify gaps/questions for unknown stressors. Knowledge Gaps / Science Question #7

KG/SQ #7 Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Valuation of marine ecosystem services (mechanism and dynamics) (Added by WG2)

• Overfishing and overfished stock management • Sustainable production and consumption • Capacity building and ocean management &

conservation • Restore or recover marine biodiversity • Understanding the value of convergence between

science and maritime culture • Knowledge of valuation methods

• Linking cultural resources and marine ecosystem services

• Science-based ecosystem management training programmes, including valuation and communication among other stakeholders

• Promoting ecosystem-based fisheries management • Encouraging development of EBM decision-making

and policy frameworks • Integrated and comprehensive study in the frame of

socio-ecological systems • Integrating diverse methods of knowledge

generation Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships

• SIMSEA • PICES: ecosystem services • DFO Canada: MSP initiative • IOC WESTPAC

• Regional Training Center for Biodiversity (MarBEST) • Reef Restoration & Conservation

• CTI CFF: SEASCAPE programmes • IPBC: mitigation • ESCAP: Ocean Accounting • SeaCorps International • Nature Conservancy

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KG/SQ #8 Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Transboundary research (sub-regional, regional, and global) (Added by WG2)

• Connection of MPA networks within, across, and beyond national jurisdictions

• Evaluation of effectiveness of MPA networks • Connectivity studies • Knowledge of migratory marine species

• Connecting marine protected areas beyond national boundaries / common heritage ocean parks

• Transboundary marine species management • Connectivity study for cooperative management in

target large marine ecosystem in Western Pacific • Evaluation of effectiveness of ocean use across

national jurisdictions • Connectivity of ecosystem structure within and

across MPAs • Management of MPAs for sustainable fisheries

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • CEC: Baha to Bering • PICES-ISC: current-future tuna distribution • UN ESCAP: Asia Pacific Office • MPAs • NEAPAN • CTI CFF: SEASCAPE • Convention on Migratory Species • CFF

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KG/SQ #9 Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Increase communication and awareness (Added by WG2)

• Holistic approach of citizen science • Function of aquariums & museums • Role of digital media • Increase ocean literacy

• Leadership development programmes for younger generations and early career professionals

• Alignment of UN Decade programs to SDG recommendations

• Prioritizing generated outcomes • Development of apps and games for all

ages/demographics • Training scientists for better communication with

public and media

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • Zoological Society of London: Field office outreach • NGO Outreach • National Academy of Science & Technology • IOC Ocean Literacy portal • National Geographic • Korea Maritime Museum Network IOCC • Black Sea Summer School: Sirius • ICOM: International Congress of Museums • WESTPAC Floating Summer School • Climate Action – Friends of the Ocean

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KG/SQ Knowledge Gaps Potential New Activities Science and policy interface (Added by WG2)

• Capacity building for better science communication (with public and policy makers)

• Propose national, regional, and global policy solutions / recommendations

• Collaboration between academia, researchers, policy-makers, and industrial partners

• Collaborative research among local, national, and regional partners

• Early career training on science-policy interface • Development of partnerships between WESTPAC

and APEC

Existing Initiatives / Networks / Partnerships • ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) • NAST: regular science-policy forums, e.g., plastic pollution • Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative • CGMT: Technology transfer • NGOs: Ocean Foundation – Capacity Building • IOC-WESTPAC: International conferences • WESTPAC partnership with APEC • Ocean Knowledge Action Network • FUTURE EARTH • Ocean Foundation: OA Capacity Building • APEP • Oceana: Sustainable Ocean Initiative – Science Policy interface

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