Inaugural Ross Sea Research Coordination Network Workshop: developing networks to tackle challenges in the polar regions
The Ross Sea Research Coordination Network (RCN) held its first workshop in Boulder, Colorado, from June 3 to 6, 2025. More than 100 researchers, policymakers, and community partners attended, either in person or online. The goal was to find better ways to coordinate work around the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area (MPA). As the world’s largest MPA, the Ross Sea MPA is an important example of managing large, international, remote marine ecosystems. The workshop focused on improving data sharing, building collaboration across disciplines, and setting research, policy and community engagement priorities ahead of the first 10-year review of the MPA in 2027.
A Weddell seal gazes at the camera, its speckled coat providing camouflage against snow and sea ice. Photo credit: Jinsuk Kim, KOPRI
The RCN has three main goals: aligning research with management needs, engaging community partners to incorporate diverse perspectives, and advancing science through data analysis, modelling, and observation. By adopting a structured approach, the network aims to address issues like limited access to datasets and gaps in communication between researchers and policymakers. The ultimate goal is to produce science that informs policy, improves the effectiveness of the MPA, and serves as a model for global collaboration.
PCAPS steering group member Clare Eayrs joined the workshop virtually to introduce the PCAPS initiative to the RCN. PCAPS shares similar goals with the RCN, especially around improving data integration and creating actionable science. Both projects prioritise inclusivity by bringing together researchers, Indigenous communities, and operational teams to co-develop solutions for the polar regions. Clare also took the opportunity to promote the PCAPS Horizon Scan, a brief survey that collects ideas for improving environmental forecasting and weather services in polar regions.
During the workshop, participants stressed the importance of long-term research and monitoring to protect the region effectively. Attendees also called for stronger international partnerships, better-integrated data systems that follow FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, and holistic scientific approaches that combine observation, modelling, and data science.
Four Adelie penguins waddle across the snow-covered shoreline, dwarfed by the icebergs behind them. Photo credit: Jinsuk Kim, KOPRI
The RCN represents an important step toward protecting one of the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems. The network brings together experts from diverse scientific fields and is working towards improved access to data to tackle the complex issues facing the Ross Sea. Its focus on long-term monitoring and adaptive management not only enhances understanding of marine ecosystems but also sets a global standard for conservation.
A solitary seabird glides effortlessly across the Antarctic sky. Photo credit: Jinsuk Kim, KOPRI
Looking forward, collaboration between the RCN and PCAPS presents an opportunity to tackle shared challenges. By aligning their goals and combining their networks, the two initiatives can advance data integration, improve forecasting, and support evidence-based policy decisions. Joint efforts with polar networks, such as the RCN, will help PCAPS strengthen prediction accuracy and promote sustainable practices in the polar regions.