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IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

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Manila, Philippines | 20–23 April 202712th IOC/WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference
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The 16th WESTPAC
Intergovernmental Session
Hangzhou, China | 10–12 November 2026An important statutory platform for strengthening regional collaboration in ocean-based solutions to climate change, marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, and sustainable ocean planning and management.
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Marine Spatial Planning
Regional Action Framework (2025–2030)
Advancing sustainable ocean planning and management through regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
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From Understanding
to Action
Fostering an ocean-literate society in the Western Pacific through regional cooperation on ocean literacy.
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Latest News

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Marine Spatial Planning in the East Asian SeasAdvancing Marine Spatial Planning in the East Asian Seas through Regional Capacity Development

eDNA Training for Marine BiodiversityWESTPAC Advances Member States' Capacity in Environmental DNA (eDNA) for Marine Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation

Coral Reef Photo Competition: Winners AnnouncedWinners Announced for the 2026 WESTPAC Photo Competition: “Guardians of the Coral Reef”

WESTPAC-XVI to Convene in HangzhouThe 16th WESTPAC Intergovernmental Session to Convene in Hangzhou, China, on 10–12 November 2026

Coral Reef Photo Competition: Call for EntriesCall for Entries! The Photo Competition 2026: Guardians of the Coral Reef

Coastal Ecosystem Projects: Call for ProposalsCall for Project Proposals on Coastal Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration

Mangrove Conservation in the Western PacificRestoring the Coastline’s Defenders: A Renewed Push for Mangroves in the Western Pacific

Advancing Seagrass Research and RestorationWESTPAC Convenes Experts to Accelerate Seagrass Research, Conservation, and Restoration

Events

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First Announcement. Original proposal call is closed.Submit an Abstract. Deadline: 15 November 2026, Manila time.

12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference

20 Apr–23 Apr 2027Manila, Philippines

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Proposal call closed

Submit an Abstract
Recent Events
Completed

In-Person Training: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Regional Training Workshop for the East Asian Seas

20 Jul–22 Jul 2026

Bangkok, Thailand

Completed

In-Person Training: Building Capacity on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP and Area-Based Management for ABNJ

13 Jul–17 Jul 2026

Busan, South Korea

Completed

International Training Workshop on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications in Marine Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment

22 Jun–24 Jun 2026

Chonburi, Thailand

Highlights

1

The 16th WESTPAC Intergovernmental Session to Convene in Hangzhou, China, on 10–12 November 2026
2

Expanded WESTPAC Advisory Group Strategic Consultative Meeting 2026

About the WESTPAC

The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is a regional intergovernmental platform for ocean science and cooperation.

We work with 22 Member States and regional marine scientific community across the Western Pacific and adjacent seas to advance knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society.

Learn more about the WESTPAC

Our Work

Ocean Science-Policy Interface
Aerial view of coastal islands and turquoise reef waters, AI-enhanced from the original photograph

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Ocean and Climate Change

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Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem

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Ocean and Human Health

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Capacity Development

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Knowledge Services and Hubs

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Ocean Literacy

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Selected Publications

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Framework · 2025 Marine Spatial Planning: Action Framework 2025–2030 Read PDF Conference summary · 2024 meeting Accelerating Ocean Science Solutions for Sustainable Development Read PDF Book · 2023 Probing into Marine Life with DNA Barcode in the Tropical Indo-Pacific Read online Management guide · 2022 General Management Guide for Harmful Jellyfish Stings Read PDF Field guide · 2021 Field Guide to the Jellyfish of Western Pacific Read PDF Journal article · 2021 Half-Century of Scientific Advancements Since the CSK Programme View article