While many countries benefit from sophisticated, cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, technology, and human capacity for science and innovation, the Global Ocean Science Report concluded that major disparities exist in the capacity around the world to undertake marine scientific research.

The Decade of Ocean Science will help to mobilize partnerships and increase investment in priority areas of ocean science where action is urgently needed. The Decade will build on existing partnerships and technologies and create new ones to enhance and expand the global scientific capacity required to quickly collect issue-specific information to meet the constantly-evolving needs of ocean and coastal zone managers and a rapidly developing blue economy.
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A core objective of the Decade will be to improve the scientific knowledge base through capacity development to regions and groups that are presently limited in capacity and capability, especially Small Island Developing States and the Least Developed Countries.