The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, under the motto “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want,” provides an international framework for addressing Ocean challenges through science-based solutions, co-design methodologies, multistakeholder collaboration, and the advancement of Ocean Literacy. Such a framework is particularly relevant to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face unique socio-ecological vulnerabilities and are highly dependent on Ocean resources. This chapter presents research conducted in Cabo Verde, a small island state in the eastern Atlantic, aimed at assessing local stakeholders’ perceptions of Ocean-related challenges and identifying scientific priorities aligned with national and community needs. The study identifies the most pressing Ocean Decade Challenges for Cabo Verde by analyzing twenty-seven interviews with local stakeholders. The interviewed stakeholders had a direct connection to the Ocean, either through their work or expertise, and represented diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the co-design process. Findings revealed a set of “Local Ocean Decade Challenges,” that contextualize the global priorities to Cabo Verde’s specific circumstances and highlight the value of integrating local knowledge into the global Ocean Decade framework. The study emphasizes the importance of co-design and multistakeholder engagement in Ocean science and underscores the role of Ocean Literacy in strengthening community participation and fostering sustainable Ocean relationships in SIDS contexts.