BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 13, 2025
In early June, Nice, France, hosted a series of ocean-focused events. The One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) — a high-level scientific meeting — drew more than 2,150 ocean scientists from 113 countries who addressed the priority of a healthy and sustainable global ocean that shows continuing evidence of decline. Following five days of debate, the UNOC3 delegates issued the Nice Declaration, incorporating recommendations. It was adopted by acclamation and presented to the United Nations General Assembly for formal endorsement. On June 30, the vote was 162 nations in favor, one against, and no abstentions. The one negative vote was cast by the United States. The lone dissenting vote was by a nation that, despite having marine scientists at the forefront of the research, did not send those experts to the international forum where such research was discussed and debated, and recommendations drafted for the UN General Assembly. ~ Malcolm Shick, emeritus professor, UMaine