UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: “A Safe Ocean” Benchmarking Report

Abstract

The United Nation Decade of Ocean Science was declared for 2021-2030 to generate and share knowledge that directly contributes to meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by using transformative ocean science solutions. Seven desirable outcomes were established as part of the Ocean Decade, one of which is the ‘Safe Ocean’ outcome, which encompasses “where life and livelihoods are protected from ocean-related hazards”. The Government of Canada, having adopted these Ocean Decade outcomes, is establishing Canada’s vision for a ‘Safe Ocean’, and research priorities to achieve this vision. To support this, we used an adapted Delphi methodology in a three-phase approach (‘Collection’, ‘Convergence’, and ‘Consensus’) to: inventory relevant projects, programs, and experts across Canada; identify key research priority areas for the Ocean Decade; and, develop findings that will inform a strategic plan for the Safe Oceans theme during the decade. Through the Delphi approach, 62 research priorities and knowledge gaps were identified, divided into six thematic categories. Based on their priority, feasibility (i.e., combination of affordability and achievability), and timeframe to achieve, 12 research priorities emerged as the highest-ranked, which we suggest targeting first within the Ocean Decade. These findings will support the development of a Strategic Science Plan for the Safe Oceans Theme during the Ocean Decade and provide resources upon which the Government of Canada’s ‘Safe Ocean’ vision can be operationalized.