Oceanography | Vol.32, No.3
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO VALUE
CONNECTING THE BOXES
OCEAN
SCIENCE
SOCIETY
Scientifc Enterprise
Societal Value
Modeling
and Projections
Assessment
Policy and
Governance
Discovery and
Observing
Understanding
FIGURE 1. The ocean value cycle.
Ocean science is producing data, under-
standing, and information—but are we
maximizing their uptake and use across
all ocean-related communities? Are we
making the most of the impact ocean
knowledge can have on society?
In thinking about the social contract
between science and society, I found it
helpful to draw a diagram that I call the
“ocean value cycle” (Figure 1). It con-
nects the flow of information and ques-
tions among five activities. Activities
related to ocean discovery and observ-
ing, improved ocean system understand-
ing, and the generation of predictions and
scenario development are often the focus
of research groups located at ocean sci-
ence laboratories or in university depart-
ments. Ocean assessment benefits from
the information generated by the research
enterprise and can inform societal actors
in the policy, governmental, or private
sectors. However, very often significant
uncertainties or impediments to action
raise new science questions that moti-
vate new discovery or improved obser-
vation, deeper system understanding, or
improved predictions. The value cycle
never ends.
What are the key elements of my pro-
posed ocean value cycle?
1. Ocean Discovery and Observing
The vast volume of the ocean and its
complex coastlines may never be fully
observed nor adequately understood.
The deep sea in particular is an exciting
frontier. Many discoveries in this realm
are being made today, and we can expect
more in the years to come. Sometimes
internationally coordinated teams can
reveal new areas of our planet, new phe-
nomena of profound importance, or new
organisms and substances. Sustained and
systematic ocean observing can doc-
ument ocean changes, provide critical
information to initialize ocean system
models, and provide essential data that
will improve ocean understanding.
2. Ocean Understanding
The ocean is a very complex and con-
nected global system. For centuries,
ocean scientists have been trying to
understand ocean dynamics, chemis-
try, biology, and ecosystems, as well as
the geology of the seafloor and meteorol-
ogy above the ocean. Internationally, sev-
eral project teams are conducting innova-
tive and coordinated research to improve
ocean understanding and the interactions
among the various systems.
3. Ocean Modeling and Projections
Ocean system models often focus on
specific challenges such as the physi-
cal climate, ocean biogeochemistry, the
sediment- ocean interface, coastal regions,
or fisheries. Near-real-time ocean pre-
diction to inform safe navigation, warn
coastal communities of imminent threats,
or enable seasonal climate forecasting are
well-established activities in many parts
of the world. Population increase, eco-
nomic wealth, and an increasing human
footprint on the environment will cause
more profound changes in the future,
raising the question: How will the ocean
change in the Anthropocene? What
effects will climate change, increasing
fishing, coastal development, and grow-
ing levels of environmental pollution
have on the ocean in the next 20, 50, 100,
and 200 years? These future ocean sce-
narios are also slowly emerging.
FROM THE PRESIDENT