Over the course of three days of intensive discussions, the meeting served as a platform to share progress, analyze challenges, and formulate strategies to ensure a sustainable future for the region's oceans. Among the key topics addressed were:

1. Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Ocean Science and Services

A central focus of the meeting was the importance of intensifying regional cooperation to improve the exchange of scientific knowledge, ocean data, and marine services. Participants emphasized the need to reinforce joint efforts to address the challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems and to promote more sustainable and efficient management of ocean resources.

2. Driving Progress through Regional Projects and Scientific Collaboration

The meeting provided an opportunity to review and assess ongoing programs and projects, including those related to harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, and marine spatial planning. Participants also discussed the working groups implementing key initiatives to enhance the region’s resilience and foster a more integrated, science-based approach to ocean management.

3. Contributions to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

The meeting highlighted the regional contributions to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), a global initiative aimed at transforming ocean science to help tackle the most pressing ocean challenges. IOCARIBE’s networks support 120 actions endorsed by the Ocean Decade, facilitating engagement with youth, Early Career Ocean Professionals, and Small Island Developing States. IOCARIBE members reaffirmed their commitment to ocean sustainability and pledged to continue working closely together to achieve a healthy, sustainable, and resilient ocean.

4. Election of the New Board of Officers

The election of the new Board of Officers defined the leaders who will guide IOCARIBE’s efforts over the next two years, including Mr. Marck Oduber (Aruba) as Chairperson), and Ms. Soraya Silva (Venezuela), Mr. Roberto Dantas de Pinho (Brazil), and Dr. Rahanna Juman (Trinidad and Tobago)  as Vice-Chairpersons. . The new board members will provide the strategic direction to further collaborative actions and sustainable strategies in the region.

5. Setting the Course for the Next Biennium

Member States adopted 14 official Recommendations aimed at advancing science and education through Ocean Literacy, Capacity Development, and Ocean Decade initiatives; strengthening ocean action through projects on marine spatial planning, blue carbon, sargassum, and harmful algal blooms; and enhancing regional coordination, ocean data sharing, observing systems, governance, and innovation partnerships.

Commitment to a Sustainable Ocean Future

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to a knowledge-driven, cooperative, and action-oriented ocean agenda. IOCARIBE members and partners pledged to continue working together through innovative, results-oriented approaches to ensure that ocean health remains a global and regional priority.