ICES new science plan unveiled: EFFOPs analysis

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is a globally recognized scientific organization that provides impartial evidence on the state and sustainable use of our changing seas and oceans. ICES science informs decision-making on key challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and human-induced pressures. By advancing knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, human activities, and their interactions with the ocean, ICES supports national priorities, the needs of its Member Countries, and partner intergovernmental organizations. Additionally, the organization contributes to conservation and restoration efforts and fosters technological advancements in marine science. At the heart of this, is a broad interdisciplinary approach to ensure that its research is effectively integrated into policy and  management decisions.

A new science plan for a changing ocean 

ICES has unveiled its latest Science Plan, offering a structured, interdisciplinary framework to support marine conservation, fisheries management, and ecosystem sustainability. The plan is built around seven interconnected research themes, ensuring ICES science remains at the forefront of addressing critical marine and coastal challenges. The knowledge generated through these themes will form the foundation for advisory services on ocean health, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable resource use. Developed through an inclusive and consultative process, the plan reflects input from a network of independent scientists, a review of the scientific priorities of Member States, and an assessment of national and international policy drivers. It refines and expands ICES’ research focus to ensure its work remains relevant in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource use. The plan also introduces enhanced operational mechanisms to track progress and ensure greater alignment with global sustainability frameworks.

This plan is intended for the scientific community within ICES, Member Countries, and beyond. Given the wide range of disciplines covered, it is highly relevant to industry stakeholders who rely on scientific knowledge for sustainable ocean resource management.

At this juncture, ICES annual Science Conference, which will be held at Klaipėda University in Lithuania from 15–18 September 2025.

Advancing Ecosystem-Based and Climate-Informed Advice

While retaining its seven thematic pillars— marine ecosystem science, human impacts, observation and exploration, emerging technologies, food from the sea, conservation science, and the relationship between sea and society —the Science P​lan refines these areas to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource use. Enhanced operational mechanisms will ensure progress tracking and increased alignment with global sustainability frameworks. Complementing this, the latest ICES Advisory Plan, also recently published  will strengthen its role in delivering independent, science-based advice for ocean sustainability. The new science plan has emphasized the ambition to enhance ecosystem-based and climate-informed advice, with a renewed focus on improving advisory processes.

The Seven Core Pillars of the ICES Science Plan

1. Marine Ecosystem Science
Understanding the structure, function, and dynamics of marine ecosystems is fundamental to their conservation and management. ICES aims to:

• Improve understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of our seas.
• Interpret scientific findings in the context of ecosystem goods and services and their contribution to society.
• Map and predict the distribution and status of benthic and pelagic habitats, their biota, biodiversity, and sensitivity to environmental change.
• Advance ecosystem modeling to analyze and predict responses to natural and human-induced drivers.
• Investigate the ocean’s role in carbon sequestration and storage and assess human activities such as mining and fishing that impact carbon dynamics.

2. Impacts of Human Activities
ICES evaluates the effects of fishing, pollution, habitat modification, and climate change on marine ecosystems. This research supports adaptive management approaches that mitigate negative impacts while maintaining sustainable economic activities. Key goals include:

• Developing indicators for pressure, state, vulnerability, and resilience of marine ecosystems.
• Assessing cumulative human impacts at different spatial and temporal scales.
• Modeling the transport of contaminants, pollutants, nutrients, and carbon from sources to areas of impact.
• Exploring pathways for a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy.

3. Observation and Exploration of the Seas and Ocean
Accurate and comprehensive monitoring is essential for informed decision-making. ICES is committed to:

• Enhancing observational methods through remote sensing, autonomous systems, and ecosystem modelling.
• Developing and coordinating integrated, quality-assured, and cost-effective monitoring programs.
• Expanding habitat mapping, from coastal zones to the deep sea.

4. Emerging Techniques and Technologies
ICES is embracing technological advancements to improve marine research and management. Key areas include:

• Artificial intelligence, eDNA analysis, and high-resolution ecosystem models.
• Developing innovative tools to analyze complex marine interactions.
• Improving the efficiency and precision of scientific assessments.

5. Food from the Sea
ICES supports ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) to ensure sustainable seafood production from both wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture. Key priorities include:

• Advancing understanding of stock structures, migrations, life histories, and natural mortality.
• Improving stock assessment methods, including multi-species and mixed-fisheries approaches.
• Conducting management strategy evaluations for fisheries and aquaculture sustainability.
• Assessing the broader societal role of fisheries and aquaculture, including non-food production and welfare considerations.

6. Conservation and Restoration Science
With increasing threats to marine biodiversity, ICES aims to develop science-driven conservation strategies. Key objectives include:

• Supporting advice for implementing marine policies and conservation commitments.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of management measures for biodiversity conservation and restoration.
• Designing and assessing marine protected areas (MPAs) and habitat restoration initiatives.

7. Sea and Society
The ocean plays a vital role in human well-being, culture, and economies. ICES research seeks to:

• Develop ethical standards for conducting social science in marine research.
• Assess the social, economic, and cultural aspects of coastal and maritime communities.
• Promote transdisciplinary approaches, including stakeholder engagement and participatory science.