We are thrilled to announce the release of the June 2024 issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief, where we highlight the exciting events and initiatives that have taken place over the past quarter. The global ocean community has been abuzz with activity, from the Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, which set a new foundation for ocean sustainability, to three national symposia and conferences that brought together thousands of participants to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to the pressing challenges facing our oceans. The inaugural Seychelles Marine Science Symposium, the second Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC II) in Kisumu, Kenya, and the second edition of Mozambique’s Marine Biodiversity Conference were just a few of the notable events that highlight the critical importance of marine and coastal science-driven stewardship in promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet.
In addition to these highlights, the June issue features updates on regional initiatives, such as the launch of the Asia-Africa Blue Tech Superhighway Project in Zanzibar and the progress towards a regional ocean governance strategy for the Western Indian Ocean that is being led by the Nairobi Convention. We also share insights from our early career scientists’ network (WIO-ECSN) and an op-ed on innovative solutions to the conservation funding crisis.