World Congress of Marine Stations

The World Congress of Marine Stations (WCMS), organised biennially by the World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS), plays an essential role in advancing the work of around 900 marine stations worldwide. This congress provides a critical forum for fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and establishing partnerships that enhance transformative marine research and education.

WAMS has successfully convened two congresses, including the first Congress online in 2021 and the first in-person meeting in Japan in November 2024. These meetings have been instrumental in bringing together representatives from marine stations across the globe to discuss pivotal issues related to ocean health and sustainability.

The third congress is scheduled for 1st – 4th September 2026 at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) in Canada. It will continue to build on the foundation of previous meetings, focusing on global collaboration and the exchange of scientific knowledge to address pressing marine environmental and societal challenges.