Science- and ecosystem-based policy and management advice is at the heart of MARECO’s activities. With its solid foundation in marine ecology with a focus on impact assessment and options for nature conservation and restoration, MARECO is well-positioned to contribute to the science-policy nexus. We advise Belgian authorities on marine environmental policy and management, and assist implementing international legislation in the Belgian part of the North Sea. MARECO experts represent the Belgian state in various intergovernmental scientific and advisory bodies dealing with marine science, policy and management, comprising working groups of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, the Oslo-Paris Convention and the European Commission. We also provide ad hoc advice to blue industries and foreign authorities.