Fact-Checking

Fact‑Checking and Corrections Policy

2. Purpose

At OceanDecadeMed.org, our mission is to provide accurate, reliable, and evidence‑based information about ocean science, marine ecosystems, climate impacts, and coastal communities. This Fact‑Checking and Corrections Policy explains how we verify information, how readers can report potential errors, and how we issue corrections.

3. Our Commitment to Accuracy

We are committed to:

  • Upholding the highest standards of factual accuracy
  • Providing transparent and verifiable sourcing
  • Correcting errors promptly and publicly
  • Minimizing misinformation about ocean science, policy, and research

Our fact‑checking process applies to all content, including articles, reports, multimedia, and social media posts.

4. How We Fact‑Check Content

4.1 Editorial Review

Before publication, every piece of content undergoes:

  • Verification of facts against reputable scientific sources and peer‑reviewed literature
  • Cross‑checking with primary sources (e.g., published research, institutional reports)
  • Expert review by subject matter specialists when applicable

4.2 Sourcing Standards

We adhere to the following sourcing hierarchy where possible:

  1. Peer‑reviewed scientific literature
  2. Intergovernmental organizations and recognized authorities (e.g., UNESCO, NOAA, IPCC, IOC/UNESCO)
  3. Institutional reports from research universities and government agencies
  4. First‑hand interviews with qualified experts
  5. Reputable news organizations with transparent editorial standards

Every factual claim should be backed by cited sources. Where source limitations exist, we clearly indicate uncertainty or ongoing research.

5. Corrections and Clarifications

5.1 What We Correct

We correct:

  • Factual inaccuracies
  • Misleading statements or implications
  • Incorrect data or misinterpreted research
  • Attribution errors (e.g., misquoting sources)

5.2 How Corrections Are Issued

Corrections are handled transparently and promptly:

  • At the bottom of the original publication, with a clear note labeled “Correction”
  • On our Corrections Log Page
  • Via social media if the original content was widely shared
  • With an apology when appropriate

Each correction note includes:

  • What was incorrect
  • What the accurate information is
  • When and why the change was made

Example Correction Notice:

Correction (January 15, 2026): An earlier version of this article misstated the projected sea level rise by 2050. The correct figure, based on the latest IPCC report, is 0.29–0.59 meters. We regret the error.

6. Reader Feedback and Reporting Errors

We welcome and encourage readers to help us maintain accuracy.

Submit a Concern

If you believe a factual error exists in any of our content, please provide:

  • The URL or title of the content
  • A clear description of the issue
  • Reference(s) that support your correction suggestion

Email: corrections@oceandecademed.org
Subject Line: Fact‑Check Request

We review every submission and respond within 5 business days with a status update.

7. Fact‑Checking Standards in Practice

7.1 Claims Must Be Verifiable

Any claim published on this site should be:

  • Traceable to a credible source
  • Supported by evidence
  • Presented in context (not selectively quoted to mislead)

7.2 Scientific Uncertainty

When evidence is emerging or inconclusive, we explicitly state:

  • The level of scientific consensus
  • Known uncertainties or limitations
  • Sources of differing viewpoints

Example:

“Current ocean heat content estimates vary within model uncertainty ranges. While trends indicate significant warming, the exact magnitude by 2030 remains subject to ongoing research.”

8. Independent Verification Tools and Resources

We use and recommend the following tools and references for verification:

  • Google Scholar (peer‑review search)
  • IPCC Assessment Reports
  • UNESCO Ocean Decade official documents
  • NOAA and NASA data portals
  • CrossCheck, FactCheck.org, Retraction Watch
  • Scientific databases like Web of Science and PubMed

9. About Our Fact‑Checking Team

Our editorial and scientific review team includes:

  • Marine scientists
  • Oceanographers
  • Climate data analysts
  • Science communication specialists

Each reviewer adheres to a conflict‑of‑interest policy and discloses affiliations to ensure impartial analysis.

10. Corrections Log (Public Archive)

Maintain a linked page listing all corrections by date, content title, and summary.
Link: oceandecademed.org/corrections

11. Contact and Governance

For questions about this policy, governance, or transparency practices:
Email: info@oceandecademed.org