We all depend on the ocean – it regulates our climate, supports livelihoods, and sustains life across the planet. Yet the ocean is under strain from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, pushing it beyond safe limits.

Ocean indicators turn complex science into clear, actionable insights, helping policymakers, practitioners, and communities track ocean health and make informed choices. Developing reliable, comparable, and regularly updated ocean indicators is essential to guide global action and protect the ocean’s future.

The newly published study lays the groundwork for a global framework of ocean indicators, connecting science to policy and action.

The article is available now in open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106922

Cite as: von Schuckmann, K., Godoy-Faundez, A., Garçon, V., Muller-Karger, F. E., Evans, K., Appeltans, W., Bax, N., Benedetti Cecchi, L., Bernard, A., Bernard, K., Byrnes, J., Canonico, G., Chapuis, L., Clark, M. R., Darnaude, A. M., Davies, C., Englyst, P., Fransson, A., Hallam, S., Heslop, E., … Yu, W. (2026). Global ocean indicators: Marking pathways at the science-policy nexus. Marine Policy, 184, 106922.