Marine Stations: Uniting Global Science Beyond Borders

From 27 to 30th November 2024, scientists from 23 countries gathered in Shizuoka, Japan for the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations. Organised by the World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS) – which was formally established in 2021 to “mobilise scientific capacity to support the achievement of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – the event was an opportunity for members to discuss critical areas of focus for the global marine research community, not least the need for stronger international collaboration and the sharing of resources.  

Image above: scientists from 23 countries gathered in Shizuoka, Japan for the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations

The Congress was opened with a welcome address from Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the UNESCO-IOC. Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) played a key role in proceedings, with PML’s Head of the International Office, Professor Matt Frost, as the current Chair of WAMS.  

Image above: The Congress began with a welcome address from Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the UNESCO-IOC

Key themes emerging from the discussions that took place included: the importance of addressing financial sustainability through innovative funding models; the need for equitable access to technology such as AI, remote sensing and big data analytics; and the unique role of marine stations in bridging scientific research and societal action, in particular their potential to influence environmental policies and engage communities. 

The event also provided a useful opportunity to reflect on the changing definition of a “marine station”, as Professor Frost explains:  

“Traditionally, marine stations were coastally located buildings usually because they needed to in pump seawater for research and often aquaria. Now however, technological advances such as remote sensing and autonomous systems means some marine stations can operate from locations far from the coast, managing research remotely.  

The newly refined definition is that a marine station is a permanent, physically located infrastructure with staff based there, engaged in scientific research and/or educational outreach, and usually both. This definition excludes temporary setups like floating labs or purely commercial research rental facilities.”  

Image above: PML’s Head of the International Office Professor Matt Frost – who is also Chair of the World Association for Marine Stations – speaking at the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations held in Shizuoka, Japan

The first marine stations date back to the middle of the 19th century and there are currently around 800 marine stations registered with WAMS (see the WAMS marine station atlas here), which range in size and capability.  

“As a marine research community, we work across borders to develop an understanding of our single interconnected ocean. The challenges we face – including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification and pollution – are not confined to national territories. They are global phenomena that demand a unified, collaborative approach. Every marine station, whether located in the coastal waters of Japan, the research centres of California, or the emerging facilities in developing nations, plays a critical role in our collective understanding.” said Professor Frost.  

“Our work transcends traditional scientific boundaries and it’s much more than an academic network. WAMS is a community committed to bridging technological gaps, supporting under-resourced areas, and creating a truly global scientific dialogue.  

The vision is one of collaborative science – where knowledge flows freely across borders, where researchers from different nations can work together seamlessly, and where the pursuit of understanding our marine environment takes precedence over geopolitical differences.” 

One of WAMs’ most critical goals is addressing the significant disparities in marine research capabilities. While well-resourced stations in Europe and North America have developed extensive data collections and cutting-edge technologies and computing capabilities, many stations in other parts of the world struggle with limited resources. At the same time, ‘capacity-sharing’ also recognises that areas with limited resources can still be repositories of vital knowledge and expertise. 

“We want to develop systems for collecting and disseminating data that are suitable for everyone, not just the big players,” said Professor Frost. 

The Congress also highlighted that marine stations are crucial bridges between scientific research and societal action. Their evolving roles now include influencing environmental policies, providing critical research data, engaging communities in marine conservation, and educating at multiple levels—from local awareness to advanced university research. 

Image above: participants gather for a photo during the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations, with Mount Fuji pictured in the background

Key Outcomes from the Congress  

• The Importance of Global Networking: Necessity for stronger global collaboration among marine stations was highlighted. Global network such as WAMS could not only enhance resource sharing and capacity building but also improve standardisation of methodologies across different regions. A robust network would facilitate better data sharing, leading to more comprehensive global marine monitoring and conservation efforts.  

• Challenges of Sustainability and Funding: A significant focus was placed on the financial sustainability of marine stations. Many stations face threats from reduced funding and a lack of recognition of their vital roles. The need for innovative funding models was discussed, including public-private partnerships and integration of services that could provide both scientific insight and economic benefits, such as eco-tourism and community-engaged research programs.  

• Technological Advancements in Marine Research: The application of new technologies such as AI, remote sensing, and big data analytics in marine research was highlighted as a transformative factor for expanding the capabilities of marine stations. However, it was emphasised that there must be equitable access to such technologies, particularly for stations in developing nations or remote locations to avoid widening the technological gap.  

• Role in Global Policy Influencing: The unique position of marine stations at the interface of science and society places them in a strong position to influence policy. By providing critical data and research outcomes, marine stations can help shape policies for sustainable marine management and conservation. It was also noted that marine stations should play a proactive role in international conversations around biodiversity and climate change to ensure that marine issues are adequately represented.

• Education and Community Engagement: Panellists discussed the crucial role marine stations play in education at all levels, from local community awareness to formal university education and public engagement. Strengthening these roles helps to ensure that knowledge about marine environments reaches a broader audience, fostering greater environmental stewardship.  

• Future Directions and Innovations: Looking forward, the discussions also focused on how marine stations could lead innovations in marine science. This includes developing interdisciplinary approaches that merge marine science with other fields such as social sciences to address complex environmental issues holistically. 

“By working together, we can develop more comprehensive monitoring systems, more effective conservation and engagement strategies, and more profound insights into the complex marine world.”  

Professor Frost. 

Image above: Panel discussion being chaired by Dr Sean Rogers, Director of Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Canada