Chonburi, Thailand, 14-16 October 2025Representatives from ten Member States and regional partners convened in Chonburi, Thailand, to advance the implementation of the Regional Action Framework for Marine Spatial Planning (2025–2030). The workshop strengthened cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity development toward sustainable ocean management and a sustainable blue economy in the Western Pacific.“The Western Pacific is… Continue reading Countries and Partners Unite to Advance the Regional Action Framework for Marine Spatial Planning (2025-2030)
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Advancing Collaborative Research and Adaptive Governance for Small-Island Sustainability in the Western Pacific
Thirty-five researchers, policymakers, and conservation experts from across the Western Pacific gathered in Malang, Indonesia, for the Second International Workshop on Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD). Hosted by the Universitas Brawijaya (UB) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, the event represented an important milestone in advancing regional collaboration for small-island research,… Continue reading Advancing Collaborative Research and Adaptive Governance for Small-Island Sustainability in the Western Pacific
Call for Ocean Literacy Experts
In light of the decision made at the Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XV, 11-13 March 2025, Tokyo, Japan), the Sub-Commission has established the Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy with the view to advance the development of ocean literacy in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. This… Continue reading Call for Ocean Literacy Experts
A Milestone for Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific
On 12 March 2025, a major step forward in sustainable ocean management was taken as Member States across the Western Pacific adopted the Regional Action Framework for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The decision made at the Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific in Tokyo, Japan, marks a critical point in… Continue reading A Milestone for Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific
Western Pacific Nations Unite to Champion Ocean Science and Sustainability
From March 11-13, 2025, nearly 100 delegates from 13 nations across the Western Pacific convened in Tokyo for the Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XV). Hosted by the Government of Japan through its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the session gathered national ocean agencies and… Continue reading Western Pacific Nations Unite to Champion Ocean Science and Sustainability
Obituary of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zulfigar Yasin (1959–2025)
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zulfigar Yasin, a distinguished marine biologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and an internationally renowned scholar. For over three decades, he dedicated his life to the study, conservation, and advocacy of marine biodiversity. His pioneering research and unwavering commitment played a crucial role in… Continue reading Obituary of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zulfigar Yasin (1959–2025)
The Fifth Session of the CSK-2 and the Second Scientific Symposium Concluded in Sendai, Japan
A flock of black-tailed gulls, native to East Asia, flying around the Matsushima Pleasure Cruise in Sendai, Japan. © Weerawath / Adobe StockOn 15 November 2024, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) convened the 5th Session of its International Steering Group (ISG) for the 2nd Cooperative Study of the Kuroshio and its Adjacent… Continue reading The Fifth Session of the CSK-2 and the Second Scientific Symposium Concluded in Sendai, Japan
The Sub-Commission designates Sinan County as a Marine Spatial Planning Demonstration Site in the Republic of Korea
On 22 August 2024, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific launched a field study on marine spatial planning (MSP) practices in Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, Republic of Korea.The study was conducted by the Sub-Commission’s Group of MSP Experts including Zhiwei Zhang and Moon-Suk Lee, as part of efforts to advance the implementation of… Continue reading The Sub-Commission designates Sinan County as a Marine Spatial Planning Demonstration Site in the Republic of Korea
Qinzhou City Designated as a Marine Spatial Planning Demonstration Site
Qinzhou City, a coastal city nestled in the south-central Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, was designated as a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) demonstration site. A plaque unveiling ceremony, held in Nanning, Guangxi on 22 May 2024, witnessed the participation of representatives from various organizations, including the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific, the Ocean Bureaus… Continue reading Qinzhou City Designated as a Marine Spatial Planning Demonstration Site
Propelling Marine Spatial Planning in Guangxi, China: A Convergence of Theory and Practice
From May 22-23, 2024, a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) National Training Workshop was held in Nanning city, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge of MSP practitioners about the MSPglobal International Guide and empower them to integrate the Guide with MSP practices, thereby reinforcing the implementation of… Continue reading Propelling Marine Spatial Planning in Guangxi, China: A Convergence of Theory and Practice