CSA Oceans aims to reduce the time for the Joint Programming Initiative on Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) to move to the operational phase by:•Supporting the governance structures in its work to establish JPI Oceans;•Proposing procedures and tools for cooperation•Facilitating the development of a Strategic Research and Innovation AgendaPressures on Seas and Oceans is recognized as a grand challenge providing an essential part of our wealth and well-being. Their vast resources offer a rare and significant potential for Blue Sustainable Growth. At the same time, the marine environment and its biodiversity are threatened by pressures from human activities and climate change. This calls for an integrated marine and maritime scientific approach to support ecosystem-based management of marine ecosystems and maritime activities.CSA Oceans project will take immediate actions to contribute to the development of the JPI Oceans Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and an Implementation Plan (IPlan) which provide the basis for joint trans-national actions based on variable geometry . The project will identify actions in areas where the JPI can add value to the European Research Area (ERA) at a level with far greater impact than simple joint calls.CSA Oceans will facilitate the implementation of JPI Oceans. It will propose tools, procedures and structures for long-term governance and operational cooperation of the Joint Programming activities and the possibility to assess its impact. The project will look for best practices and innovative solution to propose new ways of interaction. The aim is to enhance dialogue and transfer of knowledge from science to policy and other end-user in particular in relation to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.When CSA Oceans expires it is expected to have built the momentum for European cooperation, thereby making JPI Oceans self-sustained.