World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS)

WAMS-IOC collaboration

Dr. Mike Thorndyke presented this item and he informed the Assembly about a new global framework of cooperation between currently existing regional networks of Marine Research Stations. This association: “The World Association of Marine Stations” (WAMS) wishes to cooperate with IOC and its on-going programmes. WAMS and IOC see many potential benefits from such a collaboration including the identification of interest and major gaps from participating countries, for example from developing states in Africa and South America and Asia, making contact with potential new members from these and other areas. Together determining how WAMS members and its experienced scientists and educators can best to contribute to IOC activities in research, education, mentoring and training particularly for young scientists. WAMS recognises the need for an open and flexible membership according to member state needs and priorities.

The IOC delegates welcomed the WAMS initiative and several expressed their interest become involved in WAMS, its development and activities. In particular the delegates recognised the importance of participation in WAMS programmes with a focus on research training and education as well as coastal zone management and sustainable development of regional marine ecosystems.

Potential benefits from WAMS-IOC collaboration.

WAMS is very interested to develop its activities in collaboration with IOC, especially in line with IOC High-level objective 4 (2012-2013) -Management procedures and policies leading to the sustainability of coastal and ocean environment and resources.

Action 4a. Enhance regional cooperation and involvement of the Member States through capacity-building and transfer of technology and measures to strengthen the capabilities of the IOC Regional Subsidiary Bodies and IOC decentralized offices.

Main Priorities for WAMS include:

• Identifying interest and major gaps from participating countries, for example from Africa and South America and Asia.
• Making contact with potential new members from these and other areas.
• Determine how best to contribute to IOC activities in research, education and training.
• Promote and participate in workshops to develop project ideas that fulfil global needs, specifically in relation to climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and ecosystem services.
• Encourage “bottom-up” science-based discussions.
• Identify common training needs and opportunities for all staff, both scientists and technical and administrative support personnel.
• To cooperate with on-going IOC programmes such as OBIS.