Marine sciences deal with complex multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions raised by the need to: understand ocean system functions, address environmental issues and support the sustainable development of socio-economic activities at sea. Driven by economic, security and safety considerations, and the sensitivity of the marine environment to pollution effects, there is an increasing demand for improved monitoring and forecasting services.
Due to the high trans-boundary nature of the marine environment, optimal progress in marine science research requires international co-operation. A strong, well articulated and integrated European marine research effort is a prerequisite for effective equitability and future partnership with the research communities and economies in the USA and Japan.
Scientists and marine research organisations traditionally organize complex research programmes and projects, assembling a range of competencies and tools within a given thematic area. Research requirements can best be organized at the European scale (as individual states do not have the necessary resources), but with attention to minimising the complexity of approaches currently prevalent.
MarinERA aims to address the complexity, reducing fragmentation and possible duplication, while increasing transparency, productivity and efficiency within the marine science community.
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