Panaji, February 23 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC) 2026 on Monday, emphasizing the need to strengthen research and innovation to ensure climate resilience and a sustainable blue economy.
The three-day event, themed "Ocean Health & Sustainable Future," is being held at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Dona Paula, near here.
Sawant digitally released the Abstract Book, inaugurated the exhibition, and attended the poster presentations along with dignitaries and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister noted that with nearly 25 per cent of India's population residing in coastal regions and Goa having a long coastline, the deliberations at the congress were vital for fisheries, tourism, the maritime economy, and coastal resilience.
He emphasised the need to strengthen research through institutions such as the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to address emerging ocean-related challenges.
Sawant said that guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, India is blending its maritime heritage with modern innovation to deliver real-world solutions for oceans.
"We are blending India's maritime heritage with modern innovation to deliver real-world solutions for our oceans, today and for future generations," he said.
The congress will focus on issues related to ocean health, marine ecosystems, climate resilience, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on long-term strategies for safeguarding marine resources.