The primary purpose of the Roadmap for the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) in the Tropical Americas and the Caribbean (TAC) Region is “to provide a coordinated framework for just, inclusive and impactful action, that meets the strategic ambition of the Ocean Decade Challenges in the TAC region, while recognizing its diversity. This includes identifying and responding to regional priorities, addressing emerging issues, fostering collaboration and use of science and knowledge among partners and stakeholders.” It builds on the priorities and recommendations of the Vision 2030 process, as summarised in the Barcelona Statement (2024 Ocean Decade Conference, 10-12 April 2024, Barcelona, Spain).