www.centerforoceansolutions.org
Migramar Staff
 George Shillinger |
About the Center’s Mission
People have long depended on the ocean for food and commerce, and looked to it for adventure and recreation. In the 21st century, expanding population, trade and tourism are adding to our reliance on the services the oceans provide. However, fishermen, scientists and policy makers alike recognize that this irreplaceable resource is in trouble. Recent studies warn that unless humans begin interacting with our marine environment in a more sustainable way, seafood populations and critical ecosystems may collapse within 50 years.
To reduce these threats to our oceans and estuaries, and avoid their dire consequences, experts are calling on organizations and governments to develop practical solutions by integrating cutting-edge science and technology with economic, social and political expertise. Such an approach will require not only bringing experts and decision-makers together, but also building public understanding of these issues and producing leaders who can engage in effective problem solving and take the actions necessary to solve the problems.
With these goals in mind, three leading marine science and policy institutions – Stanford University (through its Woods Institute for the Environment and Hopkins Marine Station), the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) – have joined forces to create the Center for Ocean Solutions (COS). With the support of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, COS combines Stanford’s expertise in marine biology, oceanography, engineering, economics, law and policy, with the Aquarium’s unparalleled success at public education and outreach, and MBARI’s leadership in deep-sea technology, exploration and monitoring, as well as marine and coastal economics. Over time, COS also expects to bring on board other leading institutions around the Monterey Bay, adding further depth and breadth to its expertise.
In addition to developing new knowledge to solve ocean challenges, COS researchers and staff reach out to decision-makers from government, business, and the nonprofit sectors to translate the results of marine science and policy research into action. COS educates current and future leaders by offering enhanced graduate-level educational and research opportunities. COS works to highlight these issues in the media, and sponsors outreach programs to inform and empower action by the general public and local, state, national and international decision makers.
