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Season’s Greetings from IMBeR IPO:

Wishing You Health and Happiness!

Assessment, Mitigation and Adaptation:

Ocean-Climate Change Dialogue between China and Iran

Tehran, Iran & Online, 26-28 January 2026

Meeting Link: 

https://www.skyroom.online/ch/inioas/workshop



Meeting ID: inioas@inio.ac.ir

The meeting is an IMBeR-endorsed activity.

Interested parties are welcome to attend as observers.

IMBeR Relevant Sessions at OSM 2026

Sessions chaired/co-chaired by IMBeR participants or linked to IMBeR science teams

Monday, 23 February 2026

08:30 – 10:00

Forth

HE11C – Pelagic and Coastal Nutrient Cycles in Changing Polar Marine Ecosystems

11:50 – 12:00 | IOC-R In-person Presentation

Lomond Auditorium

CC12B-09 – Integrated Ocean Carbon Research: a vision primed for implementation

(The IOC-R report will be officially launched during this session)

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall)

CB14D – Trait Development and Resilience of Aquatic Microbial Communities to Anthropogenic Stressors in Coastal Oceans: A Focus on the Global South

OB14G – Respiration in the Mesopelagic Ocean: Reconciling Ecological, Biogeochemical, and Model Estimates

HE14D – Pelagic and Coastal Nutrient Cycles in Changing Polar Marine Ecosystems

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

08:30 – 10:00

Hall 3, Coral Cove

OB21A – Animal-Mediated Carbon Pathways: The Role of Metazoans in the Biological Carbon Pump

08:30 – 10:00

Hall 3, The Abyss

CM21A – Biogeochemical and Ecological Insights for Evaluation of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall)

CB24D – Under Pressure: Multistressor Impacts on Coastal Vegetation and Greenhouse Gas Dynamics

ME24E – Top Predators as Ecosystem Sentinels: A Novel Tool for Proactive Management

OB24A – Animal-Mediated Carbon Pathways: The Role of Metazoans in the Biological Carbon Pump

Action Plan for the Ocean and the OCEAN100+ Team – In-person Poster Presentation

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

08:30 – 10:00

Hall 3, Coral Cove

OB31A – Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Cycling from the Coast to the Deep Ocean

14:00 – 15:30

Hall 3, The Sound

F33A – Harnessing Fisheries Oceanography from Nowcasts to Climate Projections for Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall)

F34A – Harnessing Fisheries Oceanography from Nowcasts to Climate Projections for Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries

OB34D – Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Cycling from the Coast to the Deep Ocean

Thursday, 26 February 2026

12:45 – 13:45 Town Hall

TH43A – Broadening the Ocean Science Workforce for a More Equitable, Inclusive, and Engaged Community

Convened by the Challenger Society for Marine Science, The Oceanography Society JEDI, and IMECaN. 

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall)

ME44E – Trait-Based Approaches to Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function and Biogeographic Patterns

Friday, 27 February 2026

10:30 – 12:00

Dochart

ME52B – Trait-Based Approaches to Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function and Biogeographic Patterns

SKLEC-Related Sessions at OSM 2026

Sessions chaired/co-chaired by researchers affiliated with State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC) - host of the IMBeR IPO

- or related to SKLEC-led projects

Monday, 23 February 2026

10:30 – 12:00

Carron

CB12B – Mapping, Monitoring, and Modeling Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Fluxes in Coastal Habitats to Advance Blue Carbon Science

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall)

CB14C – Mapping, Monitoring, and Modeling Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Fluxes in Coastal Habitats to Advance Blue Carbon Science

CP14D – Physical-Sedimentological-Ecological Coupled Dynamics in Turbid Estuary–Marginal Sea Continuum

Thursday, 26 February 2026

10:30 – 12:00

Dochart

HC42B – Plastics in the Aquatic Environment

16:00 – 18:00

Hall 4 (Poster Hall) 

CM44A – The Science of Current and Emerging Blue Carbon Ecosystems

HC24C – Plastics in the Aquatic Environment

Friday, 27 February 2026

10:30 – 12:00

Hall 3, Tidal Pool

CM52A – The Science of Current and Emerging Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Exhibiting at OSM 2026

SCOR' Booth, Booth Number - No. 97

SKLEC's Booth, Booth Number - No. 140

View the booth map here.

The IMBeR IPO will be at the host’s booth (SKLEC, No. 140) for most of the exhibit time. We welcome you to stop by the booth or propose a meet-up during the conference week. 

This issue’s Editor Picks bring together a selection of recent publications covering coastal and open-ocean processes, climate-driven variability, ecosystem dynamics, and marine governance. The featured studies address physical, biogeochemical, ecological, and socio-environmental aspects of marine systems across a range of spatial and temporal scales, reflecting current research efforts to understand and respond to environmental change in the ocean.



If you have papers or reports you would like to share in future issues, please feel free to send the information to imber@ecnu.edu.cn.

Coastal zones of the Baltic Sea in the Anthropocene:

Current state and the impact of climate change

Authors: M. Voss, P. Holtermann, S. Ahmerkamp, D. L. Arévalo Martínez, B. Cahill, M. Chouksey, J. W. Dippner, J. Dutz, P. Feldens, J. Geersen, K. Gentsch, M. Gogina, D. Herlemann, J. Henkel, M. Kanwischer, B. Krebs, A. Kremp, A. Malissery, R. Mars, J. Müller, S. Neubert, H. Osterholz, H. Radtke, G. Rehder, K. Romoth, M. Sass, I. Sassenhagen, O. Schmale, M. v. Thenen, M. v. Weber, O. Zielinski

Publisher: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Coastal zones and estuaries are highly dynamic marine systems subject to anthropogenic pressure and to climate-related changes. The coastal zone of the Baltic Sea, shaped by extreme seasonality, strong bentho-pelagic coupling, and intense human use, represents a unique model system to study these interactions under accelerating climate change. While extensive research has been conducted on warming, eutrophication, and large scale hypoxia in the region, critical gaps remain in understanding how physical forcing, sediment type, and benthic–pelagic coupling control nutrient turnover, primary production, seed and egg bank dynamics, and the emission of climate-relevant gases under rapidly changing dynamic conditions. The Baltic Sea, with 26 % of its area shallower than 15 m, harbor mostly sandy sediments along the southern coast, but the coastal nutrient filter remains poorly investigated because element fluxes are mostly controlled by advection. Sediments are home for phytoplankton resting stages, but the contribution of seed germination to the development of phytoplankton blooms is unknown. The resting eggs of zooplankton are also deposited in the sediment, but the timing of zooplankton and fish development in spring and the impact of progressive warming are poorly understood. Decreases in salinity strongly influence macrobenthos in the Baltic Sea, whereas increased eutrophication favors the growth of opportunistic species. Finally, coastal darkening is discussed, as it affects marine life in ways that are difficult to assess. Future studies of coastal zones will benefit from technical innovations like mooring systems that transmits data immediately to the shore and uses drones to aid in sampling along coastlines. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the state and functioning of the Baltic coastal zone, highlighting novel insights into the role of permeable sandy sediments as nutrient cycling hotspots. We identify key uncertainties arising from the high spatio-temporal variability of these systems, which limit the predictive capacity of existing models. Only by combining novel approaches we can improve projections of climate-change impacts, and provide a robust scientific basis for the management and protection of vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Accordingly, the measures that will enable stakeholders and politicians to improve the protection of coastal areas remain to be developed.

Click to read the full paper

Figure 1. Graphical abstract

Seamounts of Cabo Verde: A review of their ecological and

economic significance, anthropogenic impacts, and conservation needs

Authors: C. Orejas, B. Vinha, G. B. Ainsworth, S. Saldanha, T. Militão, C. Mohn, T. H. Hansteen, S. S. Ratão, H.-J. Hoving, T. Amaro, D. M. J. Anderson, D. Araújo, A. M. Correia, S. Berrow, H. A. Dinis, R. Freitas, E. Lopes, V. Lopes, P. Lopez, T. Macedo, D. March, S. Martins, D. M. Matos, F. Medrano, T. Melo, G. Monteiro, Á. Mosquera Giménez, V. H. Paiva, N. Queiroz, F. Schütte, J. B. Stauffer, A. Taxonera, C. Van Weelden, J. González-Solís, V. A. I. Huvenne

Journal: Progress in Oceanography

The deep-sea areas of the Cabo Verde Archipelago remain largely unexplored, with seamounts standing out as the most prominent and abundant geomorphological features. The ecological significance of these underwater structures is well-documented in various regions of the planet, as they often serve as biodiversity hotspots, stepping stones for species connectivity and, in some cases, areas with high levels of endemism. However, the biology and ecology of the seamounts around Cabo Verde are still largely unknown. Preliminary studies of the geomorphology, oceanographic characteristics and ecology of specific features suggest that the Cabo Verde seamount network — comprising 14 known conspicuous seamounts as well as smaller elevations less than 1000 m — harbours high biological diversity. That biodiversity associated with the Cabo Verde seamounts spans a wide range of forms, from microscopic organisms to cetaceans, encompassing both pelagic and benthic communities. Commercial activities associated with seamounts, in particular fishing, are a critical aspect to consider for ecosystem management. Evaluating their current uses, future prospects, and the existing and potential threats the Cabo Verde seamounts face is essential for effective and sustainable marine spatial planning. This study reviews and synthesises the current knowledge on the Cabo Verde seamounts within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), focusing on their environmental and biological aspects, including geology, oceanography, and associated biological communities. Key topics include primary production, zooplankton communities, benthic organisms, large vertebrates such as elasmobranchs, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans, as well as microbes and trophic linkages. Additionally, this review explores the socio-economic dimensions linked to seamounts, highlighting their importance to the local economy and emphasizing the need for effective marine spatial management plans. These considerations are crucial for balancing conservation efforts with sustainable use, ensuring the long-term health of these vital underwater ecosystems.

Click to read the full paper

Figure 2. Seamounts within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Cabo Verde (solid white line) and in the surrounding Area Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) (dashed white line). The seamounts in dashed lines correspond to unnamed seamounts, identified in Yesson et al., (2021). Officially recognized seamounts refer to seamounts bearing an official name. Seamounts in the ABNJ have been depicted in the map but not included in this review. (Bathymetry data source: Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT), 2024; Ryan et al., 2009; Kwasnitschka et al., 2024)

Major heat wave in the North Atlantic had widespread and

lasting impacts on marine life

Authors: K. M. Werner, I. Núñez-Riboni, T. Soltwedel, R. Primicerio, M. Emblemsvåg

Journal: Science Advances

Marine heat waves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and intensity, but wider effects are unexamined in the North Atlantic, and there are uncertainties regarding the spatial scale, magnitude, and persistence of MHWs’ impacts on ecosystems. We show that a sudden and strong increase in the frequency of MHWs in and after 2003 was linked to widespread and abrupt ecological changes. This upheaval spanned multiple trophic levels, from unicellular protists to whales. Every examined region showed a reorganization from species adapted to colder, ice-prone environments to those favoring warmer waters and the event’s impacts altered socioecological dynamics. This review provides evidence for large-scale connectivity across ocean basins. However, it reveals that the magnitude of ecological impacts seems to vary among events highlighting key knowledge gaps for predicting ecosystem responses to MHWs. Understanding the importance of the subpolar gyre and air-sea heat exchange will be crucial for forecasting MHWs and their cascading effects.



 Click to read the full paper

Figure 5. Major currents in the North Atlantic.

Microbial dynamics in coral reef waters:

Diel cycles in contrasting seasons

Authors: H. G. R. Steinsdóttir, D. Akkaynak, M. J. Frada

Journal: Science Advances

Coral reefs are dynamic ecological hotspots, yet their influence on surrounding microbial plankton remains poorly studied. High-frequency diel sampling of Red Sea reef waters during mesotrophic winter and oligotrophic summer conditions revealed distinct prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities compared to nonreef waters, along with previously undescribed diel cycles. Sequencing of 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons showed enrichment in sequences affiliated with copiotrophs, specialized hydrocarbon degraders, parasites, and mutualistic symbionts. Symbiodiniaceae sequence reads consistently peaked at midday. Cell counts by flow cytometry revealed that reef water contained 20 to 60% fewer bacteria and up to 75% fewer microalgae than adjacent open seawaters. In winter, cell drawdown was often more pronounced at dusk, while summer cell density showed no consistent diel pattern. Heterotrophic protist densities increased up to 80% in reef water at night, suggesting predation as a regulatory force on microbial populations. Our findings show that the reef not only reshapes microbial communities but also imposes a pronounced diel structure on planktonic life.



Click to read the full paper

Figure 6. Sampling sites in the GoA.

Conceptualizing the interplay between

blue justice, blue economy, and blue governance

Authors: C. van Noort, M. C. Prall, F. Asif, N. F. Coelho

Journal: Marine Policy

Recent literature on blue justice underscores its growing relevance to legal instruments and state practices of blue governance. The blue economy, while promising sustainable development, often generates risks for coastal communities, including displacement, inequitable distribution of benefits and harms, and exclusion from governance processes. In response, states and international organizations have begun integrating environmental justice principles into ocean policies to promote equitable access and sustainable use of marine resources. However, much of the existing research remains largely descriptive. This paper advances the discourse by conceptualizing the interplay between blue justice, blue economy, and blue governance through three analytical lenses: (1) rigid and fluid, (2) global and local, and (3) plural and singular. The first lens highlights how static governance frameworks struggle to manage dynamic marine environments, leading to “governance inelasticity.” The second lens reveals the fragmented and often asymmetrical nature of decision-making across scales, resulting in “siloed justice approaches.” The third lens critiques dominant narratives that marginalize alternative histories and visions, leading to “singular perspectives”. Together, these lenses expose how justice risks emerge from mismatches between governance structures and the socio-ecological realities of blue spaces. By making these interconnections explicit, the paper offers a conceptual foundation for rethinking marine policy and governance. In doing so, it aims to support more inclusive, adaptive, and pluralistic approaches to governing the blue economy—contributing to ongoing efforts to ensure a just and sustainable ocean future.



Click to read the full paper

Figure 7. Visualizing the interplay of the three analytical lenses: rigid and fluid, global and local, and singular and plural alongside illustrative questions. BJ = Blue Justice; BE = Blue Economy; BG = Blue Governance.

Opportunity to Co-develop a Joint Newsletter on

Remote Imagery Technologies

The IPO is delighted to share recent advances in deep-sea observation being developed at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). This work builds on their Marine Remote Imagery Platform (MaRIP) and ongoing research activities across the Indian Ocean. Further details are available in the poster below. 

If you are interested in co-developing a joint newsletter focused on remote imagery technologies and their applications across diverse research and societal needs, we warmly invite you to share or recommend relevant content and areas of interest. Please contact the IPO at imber@ecnu.edu.cn by 31 March 2026.



Events, Webinars and Conferences

Information shared by our contacts:

• Pathways Deep Dive Questionnaire Released.

• ECSA 61 - Bridging the gap between science and policy in estuarine and coastal marine biodiversity: the way forward, 24-27 August 2026, Square, Brussels, Belgium.
• Abstract Submission Deadline: 6 March 2026

• Coastal Futures 2026, 28–29 January 2026. London, UK. Registration is still open.

• Ocean Science Meeting, 22 - 27 February 2026, Glasgow, Scotland. Early-bird registration by 14 Jan 2026.

• ASLO-SIL 2026 Joint Meeting: Aquatic Confluence – Science, People, Knowledge. 12–16 May 2026. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Registration is now open.

• 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, 17 - 20 November 2026, Bruges, Belgium. Submit abstract by 17 March 2026.

• UN Ocean Decade Conference 2027, 7–9 April 2027, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More information will be released in due course.

Jobs and Opportunities

Information shared by our contacts:

• Call for Papers: Ocean Decade - Promoting Ocean Literacy New
• Participating journals: Ocean & Coastal Management, Journal of Sea Research
• Submission deadline: 30 April 2026
• This Special Issue aims to explore innovative approaches to enhancing knowledge of ocean science and instilling a sense of stewardship for marine environments.
• Read more

• Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbial Oceanography and Multi-Omics Bioinformatics
• 2-year position to study marine microbial communities using multi-omic approaches; strong bioinformatics and programming (Python, R) skills required. Read more

• Anthropocene Coasts Recruiting Position: Associate Editors
• Applications will continue until the position is filled.
• Anthropocene Coasts is a Golden Open Access journal hosted by East China Normal University, and published by Springer. The journal publishes multidisciplinary research addressing the interaction of human activities with our estuaries and coasts. The journal has been selected for the "Outstanding Case of English-language University Journals of 2025".
• To help build on the success of Anthropocene Coasts and to expand the opportunities for international collaboration and contributions to the work of the journal, the journal is seeking more international Associate Editors. Read more

• Coastal Resilience Program Manager & Coastal Resilience Extension Specialist
• S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, Charleston, South Carolina
• Open until filled.

• Tenure-Track Faculty: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
• Division of Coastal Sciences (COA), School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE), The University of Southern Mississippi
• Open until filled.

• Research Technician – Ocean Acidification Program
• Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida
• Open until filled.

• 2026 NF-POGO-SPC-CSIRO Shipboard Training on GO-SHIP P15S Cruise New
• Nippon Foundation - Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (NF-POGO), Pacific Community (SPC) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) are offering Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) the opportunity to participate in either leg 1 or 2 of the GO-SHIP P15S Cruise, to take place between 9 November and 19 December 2026.
• The application deadline is 21 January 2026. Read more

• Funding Opportunity: 2026 Shanghai Government Scholarship New
• The scholarship opens to excellent degree programs (undergraduate, master and Phd) students.
• Application Deadline (Undergraduate) - 30 April 2026.
• Application Deadline (Graduate - First Batch) - 1 March 2026.
• Application Deadline (Graduate - Second Batch) - 30 April 2026.
• Read more

• Funding Opportunity: U.S. National Science Foundation
• Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences (CAIG)
• February 4 2026 - Deadline date. Read more
• Biological Oceanography (BioOce)
• February 17 2026 - Target date. Read more
• Chemical Oceanography
• February 17 2026 - Target date. Read more

For more information on activities and opportunities for early-career researchers, you can check the IMECaN Newsletter. Read more

Turn Your Innovation into Global Impact

IMBeR Blue Innovation Alliance

We invite you to explore our first partner, Nanopure, and join the IMBeR Blue Innovation Alliance. We welcome other companies to join us in this global initiative, where together we can advance ocean sustainability, support cutting-edge marine research, and foster innovation to shape a more sustainable future for our oceans.

Capturing IMBeR: Share Your Photos and Memories

We invite all IMBeR participants - past and present - to contribute photos that capture the spirit of IMBeR’s activities over the years. Whether from fieldwork, meetings, workshops, summer schools, or community engagement events, your photos will help illustrate IMBeR’s impact and legacy.

Please send high-resolution images, along with a brief description and credit information, to imber@ecnu.edu.cn.

More jobs and opportunities for ECRs, please sign up for IMECaN newsletter

If you would like to put some recruitment information in the IMBeR monthly newsletter, please contact us through imber@ecnu.edu.cn.

IMBeR monthly newsletter archive - Find more

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the news articles, project updates, and publications featured in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the positions of IMBeR, its sponsors,

or the IMBeR International Project Office and its host institutions.

Chief Editor: Suhui QIAN

Editors: Fang ZUO, Kai QIN

Contact us

IMBeR International Project Office

State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University

500 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200241, China