In alignment with its broadened objectives and scope, NPOCE hosted a POD (Part of Day) meeting on December 12, 2024 at the AGU24 Annual Meeting. This gathering attracted a diverse array of scientists, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and setting the stage for future partnerships with the recently launched Health of Ocean under Multiple Ecosystem Stressors (HOMEs) program. Spearheaded by IOCAS and endorsed by the UN Decade in April 2024, HOMEs adopts a holistic, multidisciplinary strategy to decipher the complex interplay among anthropogenic, ecological, and environmental influences.

Participants discussing at NPOCE POD Meeting

During the meeting, the chair of NPOCE Scientific Steering Committee Fan Wang presented a keynote address titled "Observation in the Western Pacific Ocean: Progress and Perspectives." In his presentation, Wang outlined the significant achievements NPOCE has made in recent years, and emphasized that these achievements have laid a solid foundation for future research and collaboration.

Introducing HOMEs program by Fan Wang

Of particular note, Wang introduced the HOMEs project and emphasized the feasibility of collaboration between NPOCE and HOMEs. He underscored the importance of leveraging NPOCE's extensive observational network and expertise in oceanography to contribute to HOMEs' goals of understanding and mitigating the impacts of multiple ecosystem stressors on ocean health.

Participants at the POD meeting expressed keen interest in the HOMEs program and its potential for fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. Dr. Antonietta Capotondi from NOAA, in particular, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the initiative. She emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to address the threats facing marine biodiversity in the region and highlighted the critical role of such initiatives in maintaining marine ecosystem resilience and sustainability.

All participants show their interests and supports to HOMEs

In addition to discussing potential collaboration opportunities, participants also offered valuable suggestions for expanding NPOCE's reach and impact. They proposed that NPOCE meetings could be aligned with relevant activities of the WCRP/CLIVAR (World Climate Research Programme/Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability, and Change) to broaden its collaboration network. By doing so, NPOCE can stay connected with international researchers working on related topics and share real-time updates on ongoing research.

In summary, the POD meeting was a resounding success, catalyzing strategic discussions and planning for both NPOCE and HOMEs. With a shared vision of promoting ocean health and resilience, participants look forward to continued collaboration and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Participants actively engage in discussions and networking