The Importance of Marine Research Is Growing
The sea offers immense opportunities for humankind, but it also presents major challenges. Marine research provides the knowledge needed to solve marine-related problems and to ensure that the sea is used wisely and sustainably. At the same time, marine research is continuously advancing to meet emerging needs and address new challenges.
Humanity faces no shortage of challenges. According to projections, by 2050 the global population will reach 9.7 billion, sea levels will have risen by 10 to 25 centimetres, and one fifth of the world’s major marine ecosystems will suffer from eutrophication. Only remnants of coral reefs will remain, and there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. The resources provided by the sea are declining, and access to them is becoming increasingly unevenly distributed.
However, it is possible to reverse this trend. As our understanding of marine ecosystems continues to grow, and as awareness of the ocean’s importance to human well-being becomes more widespread, we can build the foundation for a new and more sustainable relationship between people and the sea.
Healthy Oceans Through Marine Research
On the international stage, the world’s oceans are increasingly regarded as a shared resource of humankind, one that must be safeguarded through collective efforts. Marine research has a vital role to play in this work. It provides the scientific knowledge needed to restore oceans to a healthy state and support the well-being of present and future generations. With this objective in mind, the United Nations has declared the 2020s the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Finland is also committed to advancing the UN’s goals for ocean science. In Finland, research has traditionally focused on the Baltic Sea, and this will remain a priority in the years ahead. Understanding Finland’s coastal waters, and more broadly the ecosystems of the Baltic Sea, as well as monitoring their condition, is of great importance to us.
At the same time, the expertise gained and the research methods developed through Baltic Sea research can be applied far beyond our regional waters. Finnish scientists already play an active role in international marine research and ocean conservation initiatives. This global perspective is being further strengthened so that Finland can contribute to addressing the challenges facing the world’s oceans and support their sustainable future.
How Is Finnish Marine Research Being Developed?
Marine research is increasingly understood in a broad sense. It encompasses not only the study and monitoring of the marine environment itself, but also research that supports a sustainable relationship between society and the sea. Through scientific knowledge, it is possible to promote sustainable marine industries, such as responsible aquaculture and maritime transport, while also strengthening public understanding of the ocean and its importance.
This objective is reflected in Finland’s Marine Research Strategy, published in 2024. The strategy is guided by three overarching goals: a healthy marine environment, economically viable marine industries, and a societal transition towards sustainability. It outlines the measures needed to achieve these aims and to strengthen the role of marine research in supporting sustainable development.