The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has confirmed that it has placed a temporary suspension on Russian participation in its activities.
In a press release, the intergovernmental science organisation advises that since the start of the war in Ukraine, a number of member countries have instructed their scientists and representatives to either boycott or avoid engagement in activities where representatives of the Russian Federation (one of ICES’ member countries) are present.
Highlighting that ICES is governed through international convention and includes the 20 coastal states that border the North Atlantic, including the Baltic Sea, the press release states that “multinational participation in the processes which provide science, data, and advice in support of our mission is essential to our integrity”.
It continues, “In order to fulfil our mission and obligations to requesters of ICES advice, we require broad participation of essential experts in our activities. The war in Ukraine is undermining this broad participation in many multilateral science organisations, including ICES.
“ICES Council of Delegates has voted to place a temporary suspension on all Russian Federation delegates, members, and experts from participation in ICES activities.”
The suspension began on 30 March 2022, with ICES Bureau (Executive Committee) to monitor the situation and, when appropriate, recommend a reversal of the move.
