Minisymposium Presentation

The ocean is a fundamental driver of Earth’s climate, yet climate change and human activities are altering its physical, chemical, and biological processes. Rising sea levels, marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. These challenges are not uniform—coastal regions, small island nations, and marginalized communities, including women who play key roles in fisheries, ocean governance, and marine research, are often the most affected. Tackling these interconnected issues requires breaking silos across disciplines, geographies, and governance structures. Oceanography, climate science, and socio-economic studies must work in tandem, leveraging high-performance computing (HPC) to integrate climate models, satellite data, and regional ocean observations. Women scientists and policymakers are at the forefront of this collaborative effort, advancing scientific innovation, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive marine resource management. Their contributions help bridge research and policy, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape sustainable ocean governance. Global initiatives like the UN High Seas Treaty and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation. By fostering integrated, cross-sectoral action, we can strengthen ocean resilience and safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.