IAEA Trains Early-Career Scientists to Assess the Impacts of Multiple Ocean Stressors

The ocean faces multiple pressures, including from acidification, warming and pollution. These stressors threaten biodiversity and food security in many regions. Understanding their combined effects is essential to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

"Ocean acidification is not occurring in isolation, but expertise in studying multiple stressors is often lacking. The OA-ICC capacity building programme plays a key role in expanding this knowledge base," said Lina Hansson, Associate Project Officer at the IAEA.

During the two-week course, participants learned best practices in experimental design and applied them in a hands-on laboratory study. They investigated the combined effects of ocean acidification, warming and lithium pollution on the reproductive success of a common Mediterranean Sea urchin.

Participants also visited the Laboratoire d'Oceanographie de Villefranche (LOV) in France for practical training in seawater chemistry monitoring and connected with researchers at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco. The Winter School emphasized science communication and community engagement. Through a series of guest lectures, participants explored principles for co-designing research, including integrating traditional knowledge from local communities.

"The Mediterranean Sea is heavily affected by multiple stressors. Record-breaking marine heatwaves, pollution, combined with acidification, have led to mass mortality of key species," said Steeve Comeau, Research Scientist at LOV and Winter School lecturer. "Training this new generation in multifaceted experimental approaches is critical for predicting future impacts."