Stanford
Center for Ocean Solutions

Ocean solutions that inspired us in 2023

Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions scholars reflect on this year’s wins and their hopes for ocean science and conservation in 2024.
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Katie Jewett
Ocean and beach at sunset.
Image credit: Bella White / Pexels

From the signing of an international treaty to protect marine life in the open ocean to a historic investment in coastal ecosystems and communities of the Blue Pacific Continent, an area of the West Pacific five times larger than the U.S., progress on ocean science and conservation made frequent headlines in 2023.  

We’re celebrating new ocean insights and impacts generated at the local, regional, and global level, the colleagues and partners that made them possible, and our hopes for the year ahead.

Lucie Hazen.

Lucie Hazen, Research Analyst

"I’m excited about the progress made on our low-cost technology collaboration with Synchro this past year. With our recently opened call for applications, we are charting a new pathway for low-cost innovations to reduce the financial barriers associated with scientific research and data collection on and in the ocean. In 2024 I hope that promising novel marine technologies will begin meeting the growing needs of users and decision-makers from local communities to government entities." 

"Looking ahead to 2024, I’m optimistic about the innovative ways that AI can augment and complement human capacities in fisheries management and ocean sustainability, such as through real-time fisheries monitoring and catch traceability. Many innovations in history come from bottom-up thinking, rather than starting from the problem statement. Exploring what we can do with existing data and tools – beyond their original scope – is key to innovation. We can let conversations with academics, governments, and coastal communities guide how we apply AI to ocean challenges."

Shin Nakayama.

Shin Nakayama, Data Research Scientist

Laura Anderson.

Laura Anderson, Engagement Project Manager

"It was heartening to see greater attention on food systems at COP28 this year. 159 countries have signed the Emirates Declaration committing to integrate food into their climate plans by 2025 and more than 200 institutions united in a statement on transforming food systems for people, nature, and climate. For COS, this means continuing to work in partnership across sectors to ensure the latest research on blue foods can inform evidence-based decision-making. In 2024, I hope the momentum from these statements translates into actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our current food systems and help fishers and farmers build resilience to climate risks." 

"In 2024, as we near the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, I’m inspired by a growing recognition of the need for diversity and equity in ocean sciences and locally led partnerships with our collaborators. One such collaboration is the Blue Foods for Indonesia Policy Lab, which is taking place this winter quarter. It’s an example of impact-driven work in a place that needs it. This is the government of Indonesia taking the lead in planning its own Blue Food Assessment and requesting Stanford collaboration. I think it’s really powerful and I look forward to seeing how students take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to this partnership in 2024."

Josheena Naggea, André Hoffmann Fellow

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