California Sea Grant College Program

Intergenerational diversity is central to achieving long-term ocean sustainability. As such, one of the main goals and challenges in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) is fostering engagement and leadership across career stages and from diverse sectors. To understand the knowledge and professional development needs of the next generation, we surveyed the perspectives of 1344 Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) across 108 countries and territories. We assess the survey results, reflect on what has been done to address these needs halfway through the Ocean Decade, and suggest areas to further progress. We found that climate change and its social and ecological impacts are the unifying topical priority for ECOPs globally. ECOPs called for support and access to professional development. Despite progress in many initiatives, enhanced opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, mentorship and professional development, knowledge and resource-sharing across regions, inclusion in decision-making and policy processes, and support for socially impactful and applied research require further attention. In addition, the survey responses indicated that access to funding, infrastructure, and ocean science tools was not equitably distributed globally, with the need to prioritize the ECOPs in the Global South and island nations and states. The results from this global survey serve as a foundational step to reflect upon and continue to co-design and deliver a collective vision for ocean sustainability involving the next generation of ocean leaders throughout the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and beyond.