3RD MARINERA INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOP « Towards a long-term and sustained European network of coastal observatories » (February 12th-13th, 2009, Île des Embiez France)
February 13, 2009
This Infrastructure Workshop aims to gather key European experts in coastal operational oceanography in order:
- to identify the relevant commonalities and needs between existing geographical and topical networks and initiatives,
- to highlight the main gaps and weaknesses at the Regional and European levels in coordination actions on networking, data open access and joint development activities,
- to share a long term vision for coastal observatory networks in Europe,
- to implement new European integrating initiatives in a short term perspective.
In the frame of the implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy, this workshop is timely organised. The recently adopted EC Communication on the Marine and Maritime Research Strategy sets out a number of concrete actions including:
- developing capacity building in terms of new infrastructure such as ocean observatories or specialised research vessels,
- an enhanced integration through promoting inter-disciplinary research on cross-cutting issues and combining funding schemes,
- promoting synergies between Member States, Regional and Community Research and better access to research infrastructure.
In this regard, several EU initiatives and regulations pave the way towards the consolidation of a sustained European network of coastal observatories and data centres:
- GMES Marine Core Services, and their extension to coastal waters,
- EMODNET (European Marine Observatories Data Network) & WISE-marine
- EU Directives: Water Framework Directive (which includes the coastline) and the Marine Strategy Directive, both requiring a complete monitoring of coastal waters.
The overall objective of this workshop is to highlight and consolidate this infrastructure priority in the coastal zone by making the best use of the high level European expertise in this field and also to make profit of existing European funding schemes.
For more information contact Aurelien Carbonniere
