Almost a month has passed since the AZTI Summer School 2023, and it’s time to take stock of the event.

With the backdrop of the beautiful San Sebastian Aquarium, experts, key stakeholders, and enthusiasts from all over the world gathered in Spain, for two days. The goal was to share new tools for the study of marine ecosystems and discuss ground-breaking approaches to help mitigate the effects of cumulative pressures on our oceans. And before wrapping up, the organization asked the participants for feedback that can help them prepare future editions.

The respondents highlighted the technical and scientific qualities of the speakers and the clear language used in their presentations. For the participants, the balance between the clarity of the topics without neglecting the data and scientific information greatly contributed to the success of the Summer School. The participants also felt that they would have profited from more time for group activities and networking moments.

When asked which topics they would like to see addressed in upcoming editions, waste management, integrated monitoring/assessing, and technological innovation were among the most popular chosen subjects. Strengthening the role of civil society and bring these issues closer to politics was also highlighted as key to put in place the measures needed to reduce negative impacts and protect the oceans.

We would like to issue a very special thank you to the partner-projects OBAMA-NEXT, BiOcean5D, ACTNOW, and MARBEFES , and all staff involved in the organization. Innovation in marine resource management can only happen through synergies like the ones promoted by this Summer School. And the changes needed to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans are only possible through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

To all those who participated: we stand together in protecting and celebrating the oceans and marine life. See you in the next edition.