The ocean is a vital common good: it provides us with sustainable energy trade routes resources and scientific knowledge. One in three human beings depend on it for their livelihoods yet it faces growing threats. It is still little known lacking adequate governance and funding. More than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped each year and phenomena such as overfishing acidification sea level rise and ecosystem destruction are exacerbated by climate change. Protecting what we barely know is an urgent challenge. Although the ocean covers 70% of the Earth its depths remain unknown. Increasing knowledge and disseminating its importance is critical. France and Costa Rica have taken global leadership in this effort serving as co-chairs of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened to mobilize science innovation and education in favor of the ocean. Universidad Nacional Costa Rica (UNA) is a key player in this partnership. Their research conducted in collaboration with French institutions reflects their commitment to sustainable ocean management. This work gathers valuable scientific information on the preservation of tropical marine ecosystems. This publication which places the ocean at the heart of our shared future will further strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between France and Costa Rica.
