Oceans Past Initiative
News
Stay up to date with the latest from the Oceans Past community. In this section, we’ll share updates on upcoming conferences, recent research highlights, opportunities, calls for papers, and other relevant announcements.
Cetaceans presence in Portuguese waters since the Middle Palaeolithic
A recent study published in PLOS ONE sheds light on ancient whaling practices in Portugal, revealing the deep-rooted relationship between humans and cetaceans in the region. By analyzing...
Sentinels of Change: What Sea Lions and Fur Seals Can Tell Us About 770 Years of Ocean History
A new study in Marine Ecology Progress Series takes a deep dive into the long-term ecological changes in New Zealand’s marine ecosystems, through the diets of two iconic predators: the New Zealand...
Oceans Past XI: deadline for Abstracts & ECR Funding Award has been EXTENDED!
Deadline for Abstracts & ECR Funding Award submissions for the OPI XI Conference has been EXTENDED!New closing date: January 15th 2026 The Oceans Past Initiative connects scholars and...
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Mission
The ocean is central to life on Earth – it harbours immense biodiversity, regulates the climate, and provides essential services to human societies. Human activities are transforming the ocean at an uncertain pace and scale. Understanding the extent and diversity of these changes requires a historical perspective on human-ocean interactions throughout time.
Mission 1
Advance interdisciplinary research to uncover the history of marine ecosystems and human-ocean relationships.
Mission 2
Connecting researchers, traditional knowledge holders, practitioners, and policymakers.
Mission 3
Generate insights from the past to guide evidence-based actions for healthier oceans and sustainable societies.