After four years, the GEF 7 IW project on strengthening the Micronesia Challenge 2030 is complete. With partners across Micronesia, we helped advance the MC2030’s goals, including effectively managing 50% of marine & 30% of terrestrial resources by 2030. ➡️ Impact Report: bit.ly/4zC0Wj3
Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions
@oceansolutions.stanford.edu
Catalyzing research, innovation, and action to improve the health of the oceans for the people who depend on them most. 🔗 oceansolutions.stanford.edu Based at @woods.stanford.edu in @stanforddoerr.bsky.social.
New from the Center for Ocean Solutions: a redesigned hub featuring nearly 20 ongoing projects — from blue foods to illegal fishing to marine conservation — filterable by topic and collaborator. Dive in: stanford.io/4yR0ehB
This #WorldOceansDay, we're reflecting on our work with partners to advance sustainable blue foods, strengthen marine conservation, and create greater equity in ocean benefits. 🌊 See some of the milestones we're celebrating: stanford.io/3RX8mMz 📸 Damocean / iStock
Impact
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions works locally, regionally, and globally to support evidence-based action and drive impact for the oceans.
oceansolutions.stanford.edu
In the latest Currents newsletter, you'll find: ✍️ New research on ocean conflicts 📱 A mobile app to support sustainable fisheries 🌴 Insights about the Chagos Archipelago 🌊 A deep dive into @stanfordhopkins.bsky.social & more! Read & subscribe ⤵️ mailchi.mp/oceansolutio... 📸: Adelina Mensah
As fish stocks decline, wage theft & other labor abuses may increase to keep fishing profitable, perpetuating unsustainable fishing & worker exploitation. To break this cycle, we helped launch IKAN: WorkSmart Edition, a free app empowering fishers to know their rights. Download ➡️ ikanapp.com 🐟
Join our team! We're #hiring a part-time communications manager to translate ocean research, innovation, & action into compelling content for diverse audiences. Learn more & apply ➡️ careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/communi... #SciComm #PartTime #OceanJobs
A recent study led by our Managing Director @elizabethselig.bsky.social detected patterns in conflicts that shape ocean prosperity along the coast of Africa. More via @mongabay.com ⤵️
Weak governance and illegal fishing are fueling over 1,000 marine conflicts across Africa, a new study finds. To protect local livelihoods and the environment, experts call for participatory reforms that prioritize transparent access to resources. Learn more in this report by Edward Carver.
"Delivering on #blueeconomy aspirations will require national and community-led efforts. A dual approach can help to establish more effective governance and engage an increasingly diverse set of people in resolving conflicts for the benefit of all of society." ✍️ @elizabethselig.bsky.social & team👇
Africa’s ocean wealth is vast—but without fair access, shared governance, and cooperation, it risks fuelling conflict instead of prosperity. theconversation.com/disputes-ove... #EnvironmentAndEnergy
“As new ocean industries expand & #climatechange reorders marine ecosystems, finding ways to resolve conflicts will become even more urgent.” New research from @elizabethselig.bsky.social & team on disputes shaping ocean prosperity off Africa's coast ⬇️ oceansolutions.stanford.edu/news/researc...
“We are testing and deploying multiple technologies capable of collecting samples and data that are low-cost, while also maintaining the quality of traditional approaches,” says Collin Closek, a marine scientist at @oceansolutions.stanford.edu and a co-design lead for the Synchro program. ⬇️
The ocean is vast, dynamic, and difficult to access. Through a program at @stanfordhopkins.bsky.social, scientists and collaborators are able to test low-cost sensors, remote sensing imagery, and other technologies at scale – bringing innovative approaches to ocean research.
We co-founded the Blue Food Futures Program in 2023 to advance blue food science, policy, & community. On March 19, we are hosting a seminar & networking session on campus for Stanford affiliates to connect with a global community of scholars. Details & rsvp ⤵️ events.stanford.edu/event/blue-f...
Blue Food Futures: Advancing blue food science, policy, and community
events.stanford.edu
Calling Stanford students! 📣 We're looking for a communications assistant who's passionate about ocean science and storytelling to join our team for the spring quarter. 🌊 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting March 9 ➡️ bit.ly/CommsAssista...
Meet the ❇️ Ocean Equity Index ❇️, a new tool for measuring & advancing ocean equity locally/globally ➡️ oceanequityindex.org "By turning equity into a measurable standard, we can finally move from promises of equity to making progress," said co-author Josheena Naggea of @oceansolutions.stanford.edu
Calling all Stanford affiliates: Let's add some ocean images to the mix! 🌊 ⬇️
📣 Now accepting submissions 📣 Our 2026 photo contest is open to all Stanford students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and alumni. Details: bit.ly/SDSS-photo-contest-26
"I view research as a story where I’m trying to figure out who the main characters are and what the core plot is." Learn more about what inspires Managing Director @elizabethselig.bsky.social's approach to research in our latest spotlight ➡️ oceansolutions.stanford.edu/news/spotlig...
In a new World Economic Forum blog, our co-director Jim Leape and the Forum's Alfredo Girón Nava offer examples of how countries in Africa, and elsewhere, are building and strengthening the #BlueFoods sector through innovative solutions ⤵️ www.weforum.org/stories/2026... #BlueDavos 📷 Greg Keelen
We're #hiring! Are you interested in environmental DNA, biomolecular engineering, and applying novel #eDNA monitoring methods to marine biodiversity and ocean conservation challenges? Apply for our new Environmental Biomolecular Engineer role ➡️ careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/environ...
#BlueFoods support livelihoods around the world. In Mexico, the blue food sector directly supported nearly 300K jobs. Learn more about Mexico’s blue food sector & opportunities for climate action ➡️ doi.org/10.25740/qr7...
A recent @natureportfolio.nature.com editorial examines what the High Seas Treaty could mean for food systems. Our team co-led 2 cited efforts, Illuminating Hidden Harvests & the Blue Food Assessment, that draw connections between ocean protection & food security ➡️ www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Protecting the high seas - Nature Food
The High Seas Treaty, key to the conservation of international waters, will come into effect in January 2026. The full implications for food systems remain to be explored.
nature.com
Climate ambition ➡️ Climate action Tune in on Dec 8 to hear from Laura Anderson, the Center for Ocean Solutions' representative at #COP30, & experts on how initiatives are translating climate conference goals into sector-specific guidance ⤵️ edf.zoom.us/webinar/regi... @envdefensefund.bsky.social
A new book released by the Pacific Community at #COP30 last week highlights governance and adaptation approaches that can help secure resilient futures for Pacific Island communities and the sea, according to co-editor Colette Wabnitz. Learn more ⤵️ oceansolutions.stanford.edu/news/new-res...
New research reveals how climate change is transforming Pacific fisheries and aquaculture
A regional assessment co-edited by a Center for Ocean Solutions scholar combines insights from 50 scientists and highlights impacts to food security, livelihoods, and economies.
oceansolutions.stanford.edu
#CumbrePescaPequeñaEscala2026 invita expresión de interés! La Cumbre sirve como plataforma para avanzar en la implementación de las #DirectricesPescaPequeñaEscala. Comparte/postula aqui: t.ly/rGh_F (cambia idioma: esquina superior derecha en el formulario) @fao.org @oceansolutions.stanford.edu
The #SSFSummit2026 call for expression of interest is open! Held in Rome on 4-6 Sep 2026 it is a space to discuss and advance the implementation of the #SSFGuidelines Share and/or apply here: t.ly/wASdB. @fao.org @stanforddoerr.bsky.social @oceansolutions.stanford.edu
#BlueFoods are often overlooked in climate governance. We partnered with researchers to study blue food consumption, production, emissions, hazards & action opportunities in 4 geographies ➡️ bit.ly/countrycasestudies 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇬🇭 Ghana 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇻🇳 Vietnam @woods.stanford.edu
Integrating blue foods into climate strategies
bit.ly
“Facilitating a space wherein communities can shape policies & decisions about their land, ocean, values, practices, & livelihood should be the norm.” – Josheena Naggea Learn how a Stanford working group is centering cultural heritage in ocean governance ➡️ woods.stanford.edu/news/stanfor...
Stanford research and expertise help establish first-of-its-kind marine protected area
A new framework informed by Stanford-led research and stakeholder convenings balances conservation with cultural heritage and sustainable resettlement of communities removed from an island chain decad...
woods.stanford.edu
Happy #WorldFisheriesDay. Established by global #SmallScaleFisheries movements ( #WFF, #WFFP, #ICSF) it is now celebrated around the world. Let's use the #SSFGuidelines to ensure that #SSF can continue to provide food, livelihoods and environmental stewardship @fao.org @oceansolutions.stanford.edu
#BlueFoods are often left out of nationally determined contributions – a country’s roadmap for reducing emissions & adapting to climate change. But many governments are working to change that. As #COP30 comes to a close, we’re sharing tools & resources to keep momentum up ➡️ bit.ly/bluefoodclimate
Pacific Island nations are on the front lines of climate change. The Pacific Community commissioned a regional scientific assessment of how climate change will impact fisheries & aquaculture to prioritize climate action, ensuring Pacific perspectives are central to #COP30 ➡️ bit.ly/SPCassessment
Food systems account for ~30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past year, we’ve partnered with international researchers to develop guidelines, including 4 case studies, for how governments can incorporate blue foods into their mitigation & adaptation strategies. ➡️ bit.ly/bluefoodclimate
The second week at @cop30brazil.bsky.social is filled with #BlueFood events! If you're in Brazil, join us for more conversations on Wednesday & Thursday ➡️ oceansolutions.stanford.edu/events Partners 🙏 @worldfish.bsky.social @envdefensefund.bsky.social @fao.org @cgiar.org @unctad.bsky.social & more!