Launched in 2023, Turning the Tide: Systems Thinking for a Sustainable Ocean was a long-term project covering four key themes in marine and coastal science from a systems thinking perspective. It was endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, a project running from 2021 to 2030 which calls for ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’ and promotes a shared, global effort towards the needed developments in marine and coastal science. Collaboration by stakeholders at all levels is a crucial element of the Ocean Decade, which set the tone for Turning the Tide - we engaged with experts around the world in a variety of roles with one common aim: bringing together the marine and coastal science community to explore how systems thinking principles can support a sustainable ocean.

The project was split into four themes, which each drew on the expertise of different parts of the marine and coastal sector and explored the themes through a systems thinking lens. The themes were ‘Bridging the gap between land and sea’; ‘Blue carbon’; ‘Blue economy’; and ‘Marine conservation and restoration’, and each will be summarised in a dedicated report published throughout March. 

Bridging the gap between land and sea

The first theme in the project focused on the concept of the land-sea interface, and the intrinsic connections between marine and coastal activities and ecosystems. It features a foreword from Professor Mark Everard on behalf of the Foundation for Water Research (FWR) highlighting the links between marine and coastal sciences and other disciplines represented by IES Communities and the sector as a whole. Bridging the gap between land and sea (pdf) is available to access now.

Blue carbon

The second theme explored the importance of blue carbon ecosystems such as seagrass meadows, saltmarshes and mangroves. The publication will be launched on 13th March and linked here. In the meantime, you can revisit the Blue carbon wrap-up article we shared after the events took place.

Blue economy

The third theme looked into the role of a sustainable blue economy in protecting the marine and coastal environment. The publication will be launched on 20th March and linked here. In the meantime, you can revisit the Blue economy wrap-up article we shared after the events took place.

Marine conservation and restoration

The final theme explored the opportunities and challenges associated with conservation and restoration work in the marine and coastal environment. The publication will be launched on 20th March and linked here. In the meantime, you can revisit the Marine conservation & restoration wrap-up article we shared after the events took place.

What next?

If you haven’t already joined, why not become part of the IES’ Marine and Coastal Sciences Community? You can also request to join our Marine and Coastal Science LinkedIn group to connect with like-minded peers working, or interested in, the sector. In the near future we will be recruiting for a Steering Group to lead the work of this Community. If you are interested, get in touch with Communities & Membership Engagement Officer, Amy, on communities@the-ies.org, or keep an eye out for further information in due course.

The work done by the Marine and Coastal Community to develop and deliver Turning the Tide is also reflected in the IES’ updated shared mission for sustainable wellbeing. This document puts forward the key priorities identified by our Communities to ensure that the climate crisis is addressed with clear direction and urgency by the UK Government.

Banner image: Orkney sea stack © Scott