Roberts, J. MurrayDevey, Colin W.Smit, Albertus J.2023-02-072023-02-072023Roberts, J. M. (2023). A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status. Communications Earth and Environment, 4(1), 12. 10.1038/s43247-022-00645-w2662-443510.1038/s43247-022-00645-whttp://hdl.handle.net/10566/8366Ocean ecosystems are at the forefront of the climate and biodiversity crises, yet we lack a unified approach to assess their state and inform sustainable policies. This blueprint is designed around research capabilities and cross-sectoral partnerships. We highlight priorities including integrating basin-scale observation, modelling and genomic approaches to understand Atlantic oceanography and ecosystem connectivity; improving ecosystem mapping; identifying potential tipping points in deep and open ocean ecosystems; understanding compound impacts of multiple stressors including warming, acidification and deoxygenation; enhancing spatial and temporal management and protection. We argue that these goals are best achieved through partnerships with policy-makers and community stakeholders, and promoting research groups from the South Atlantic through investment and engagement. Given the high costs of such research (€800k to €1.7M per expedition and €30–40M for a basin-scale programme), international cooperation and funding are integral to supporting science-led policies to conserve ocean ecosystems that transcend jurisdictional borders.enBiodiversityClimate changeSouth AtlanticEcosystemConservationArticle