Thematic: Resilience of the coastal socio-ecological systems in the Future Ocean: risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities at science policy interface

Save the Date! The MISSION ATLANTIC Policy Forum is planned as a one-day international event to be held in Horta (Azores, Portugal) on September 25, 2024. The session will be hybrid, but we strongly encourage physical participation. More information will be coming soon!

Objective: to promote and disseminate the knowledge generated in MISSION ATLANTIC on integrated marine ecosystem assessment to support ecosystem management and the diverse needs of Atlantic stakeholders including decision makers. The meeting will also focus on strengthen the All-Atlantic cooperation around ecosystem-based management.

Science focus: the meeting will discuss challenges and solutions for the shared management of the ocean commons including the role of Highly Migratory Megafauna (cetaceans, turtles, seabirds, fish and sharks). This is an urgent topic as the ecology of most of these species and the interactions and impacts on the marine food web is still unknown, with potential cascading effects on several economic activities at local and regional scale (i.e., tourism, fishing, shipping, etc.). 

Dimensions: the aim is to address these challenges across a range of stakeholders’ scales: local (Azores), regional (Macaronesia - Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Cabo Verde), all Atlantic (cross Atlantic, South-North). 

Expected outcomes: Highlight research priorities, recommendations and collaborations options to manage the ocean commons using an integrated ecosystem approach. 

Sessions:

Morning session: Present knowledge and future perspectives on integrated approaches in the Azores (in collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders);

Afternoon session: From Local to Regional and to the All Atlantic (in collaboration with the Macaronesia science and policy representatives as well as high level/cross Atlantic actors).