The UK has sought to demonstrate its commitment to international marine and fisheries science by signing an agreement that will ensure continued partnership with the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).   ICES is a network of nearly 6,000 scientists from over 700 marine institutes in 20 member countries. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) came into effect on Jan. 1 and sets out how the UK will work with ICES as an independent coastal state. It outlines how UK scientists will contribute to ICES and the advice ICES will provide to the UK on conservation, protection, the sustainable use of the marine environment and sustainable fisheries.   The partnership will assist the UK in meeting its international and domestic commitments to achieving a sustainable marine environment, support vital ecosystems and improve fish stocks which will in turn also benefit our aquaculture and fishing industries, the government said.    "Now that we are an independent coastal state, we are moving forward with a strong vision as world leaders in marine and fisheries science," said UK fisheries minister Victoria Prentis. "UK scientists are key contributors to ICES, and we will continue to play a leading role."   "We are committed to achieving a clean and healthy marine environment as well as promoting global efforts to protect and enhance marine ecosystems internationally. We must all work together to ensure our seas and oceans are sustainably managed for future generations."

The UK's devolved nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) would continue to work with peers in ICES to understand the challenges faced by the oceans and how to meet them, said Carl O’Brien, chief fisheries science adviser at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science [...]