The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and BlueMissionAA are hosting a crucial webinar on April 8 that promises to explore the intersection of marine science and policy implementation.
ICES and BlueMissionAA Nature Restoration Webinar: Recovery and restoration – Policy needs from science will bring together leading experts to discuss how scientific knowledge can drive effective marine ecosystem restoration across European waters.
The event builds directly upon discussions from the recent Workshop on Nature Restoration (WKREST), held March 4-7, 2025. Key findings from this four-day workshop will be presented, offering attendees fresh insights into the latest thinking on marine restoration science.
Some of the key questions that we will address:
- How can existing marine science be adapted to better support policy frameworks for implementing and assessing restoration targets?
- What new research is required to bridge gaps in knowledge and improve restoration strategies?
- Are there notable success stories that can offer valuable insights and best practices?
How can restoration methods be tailored to various ecosystem components – such as fish, marine mammals, benthos, and birds – as well as specific environmental conditions including eutrophication in the Baltic and Black Sea and connections to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems?
An exciting lineup of marine scientists and policy experts will lead the discussions, including:
- Ellen Kenchington (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
- Daniël van Denderen (DTU – Technical University of Denmark)
- Jan Geert Hiddink (Bangor University)
- Sebastian Valanko (ICES)
- Cristina Canella (ICES)
- Harald Hasler-Sheetal (ICES)
Beyond theoretical discussions, the webinar will highlight real-world restoration success stories that offer valuable lessons for implementing the EU Nature Restoration Law. These case studies will provide practical insights into what works, what challenges to anticipate, and how to measure success in marine ecosystem recovery.
The event aligns closely with EU Mission Ocean objectives, with particular focus on developing indicators for monitoring restoration effectiveness across multiple timescales – a critical component for assessing progress toward policy goals.
- Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Time: 10:00-15:00 CET
- Registration: Free but required via this link
This five-hour session will offer participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts at the forefront of marine restoration science and policy. Whether you’re a marine scientist, policy professional, conservation practitioner, or simply interested in the future of Europe’s marine environments, this webinar will provide valuable insights into how science can drive effective restoration efforts.