The Decade of Ocean Science in Norway
Norway conducts high-level ocean research. However, ambitions are high when it comes to improving the marine environment, ensuring good management and increasing our use of the ocean. A document comprising proposed priority areas at the national level has been prepared, and the Research Council’s Ocean Secretariat is responsible for coordinating the Norwegian efforts.
Proposed priority areas
In 2020, an expert group led by Peter Haugan launched ten areas for national initiatives. Halfway through the Decade of Ocean Science, in 20205, the National Committee for the Decade of Ocean Science published the report "The UN Decade of Ocean Science in Norway – status and the way forward towards 2030". In the report, the committee reviews the ten areas from the 2020 initiative proposal and proposes priorities for the next five years.
National Ocean Decade Committee of Norway
The National Committee is tasked with ensuring that Norwegian efforts will achieve the Ocean Decades goals. The committee will be giving advice, exchange information, act as decade ambassadors and be involved in different activities.
Read more about the committee and see the members here.
Early Career-networks
From 2025 an Early Career Ocean Professional-network (ECOP) is being established in Norway. The network will provide opportunities for networking and information exchange. The network is open for all young ocean professionals.
Contact person: Matthew K Avarachen, NTNU: mathew.avarachen@ntnu.no.
Norwegian Ocean Data Forum
How to collect, share and use data in the best possible way to increase our knowledge of the oceans are important questions in the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The Norwegian Ocean Data Forum brings together key Norwegian actors to increase the common understanding of problems and solutions related to the sharing of ocean data.
Read more about the Norwegian Ocean Data Forum.
International involvement
The Ocean Decade has established a number of boards and groups to ensure good implementation of the Decade. Norway is represented in several of them. Read more: Global Action - Ocean Decade.
The Research Council’s Ocean Secretariat
The Research Council’s Ocean Secretariat is tasked with intensifying Norway’s work on important ocean initiatives at the national and international level where research plays a key part. The Ocean Secretariat is responsible for coordinating and following up Norwegian efforts related to the Decade of Ocean Science. The Ocean Secretariat was given its remit by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Ministry of Climate and Environment.
Messages at time of print 12 October 2025, 08:42 CEST