GES4SEAS joined ECSA 61, held from 24 to 27 August 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, for one of the project’s final activities before its official conclusion at the end of August.

Under the theme “Bridging the gap between science and policy in estuarine and coastal marine biodiversity: the way forward”, ECSA 61 brought together researchers, managers, policymakers and other professionals working across coastal and estuarine sciences. The conference focused on how recent scientific advances can support current and future policies addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The event was particularly important to GES4SEAS, which has worked throughout its four years to strengthen the connection between marine science, ecosystem-based management and policy implementation. ECSA 61 also included, for the first time, a dedicated Science-Meets-Policy day, creating a space for researchers and decision-makers to discuss how scientific results can support monitoring, assessment and marine management.

Following the conference, GES4SEAS held its final evaluation meeting with the project officer and an evaluator from the European Commission. The meeting went smoothly and the project received very positive feedback on its work, progress and results.

The meeting provided a fitting end to four years of collaboration across the GES4SEAS consortium. Since its launch, the project has worked to improve the assessment of cumulative human pressures, support Good Environmental Status and develop tools and knowledge for better marine governance.

With the project officially ending at the close of August 2026, GES4SEAS finishes on a high note, with its results, tools and collaborations providing a strong basis for continued work towards healthier and more sustainably managed seas.