The future of ICES in the 21st century
ICES is now at a pivotal point as it approaches its Centenary and embarks upon a new century. With its many strengths and almost 100 years of diverse achievements, ICES nonetheless will face major challenges in the coming decades. This paper sketches some alternative scenarios for ICES in the 21st century. Although ICES survived major geopolitical upheavals in the 20th century, geopolitical change, in particular the potential further enlargement of the European Union to include Norway and possibly Iceland, is perhaps the greatest threat to the future of ICES in the coming decades. ICES could 1) survive in its present form, but stagnate; 2) disappear; or 3) survive and thrive. In order to survive and thrive, ICES must build on its existing strengths and grow to become a more holistic marine science organization, with a broad focus on marine ecosystems, including living resources, and their relation to humanity.
Article from Marine Science Symposia Vol. 215 - 100 years of science under ICES. To access the remaining articles please click on the keyword "MSS Vol. 215".