These initiatives represent a unique opportunity for the regional and global scientific community to showcase research addressing fundamental themes for the future of the ocean, including marine biodiversity, ocean health, sustainability in deltas, and ocean literacy.

A total of five scientific journals are participating in the calls:

• Marine Pollution Bulletin

• Ocean & Coastal Management

• Regional Studies in Marine Science

• Marine Environmental Research

• Journal of Sea Research

Active Calls for Papers:

1. Conservation and Management of Marine Biodiversity

• Journals: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Regional Studies in Marine Science, Ocean & Coastal Management, Marine Environmental Research

• Submission deadline: December 31, 2026

• More information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/322036/ocean-decade_-conservation-and-management-of-marine-biodiversity

2. Sustainable Marine Pollution and Ocean Health

• Journals: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Regional Studies in Marine Science, Marine Environmental Research

• Submission deadline: November 30, 2026

• More information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/322705/ocean-decade-sustainable-marine-pollution-and-ocean-health

3. Megadelta Programme – Sustainability of Deltas Associated with Large Rivers

• Journals: Ocean & Coastal Management, Regional Studies in Marine Science

• Submission deadline: December 31, 2026

• More information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/322112/ocean-decade_-megadelta-programme-deltas-associated-with-large-rivers-seeking-solutions-for-the-problem-of-sustainability

4. Promoting Ocean Literacy

• Journals: Ocean & Coastal Management, Journal of Sea Research

• Submission deadline: April 30, 2026

• More information: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/322296/ocean-decade_promoting-ocean-literacy

All submitted articles will undergo peer review and must meet the quality standards required by each journal. While Open Access publication is not mandatory, opting for it will provide greater visibility and impact for the published research.

The DCO-TAC warmly encourages researchers, academics, and experts from the region and around the world to contribute to these Special Issues, thereby strengthening ocean science and its role in sustainable development.