Strengthening Europe's Capability in Biological Ocean Observations

The Marine Institute welcomes the new European Marine Board (EMB) Future Science Brief No. 3 entitled “Strengthening Europe's Capability in Biological Ocean Observations” just published. The publication calls for an increase in the relevance of current (and future) European biological ocean observation capacity to strengthen global efforts towards our understanding of the ocean and enhance marine biodiversity conservation, for maintaining a healthy ocean for healthy societies.

Strengthening Europe's Capability in Biological Ocean Observations publication and factsheet for policy makers can be downloaded from the EMB website. The publication is an official output of the European Marine Board, a strategic pan-European Forum with members including key marine research performing institutes, funding agencies and university consortia.

About the Future Science Brief
Europe lacks a multi-purpose integrated biological ocean observing system. The Future Science Brief recommends building an integrated biological ocean observation system, while supporting current capacity. Europe needs a strategic vision to increase the relevant biological ocean observation capacity.

We also need to bring together key stakeholders, to provide the long-term support for an integrated biological ocean observing system that contributes to the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) and harmonized with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).

In addition, support is needed for current biological ocean observation capacity, especially in taxonomic expertise and in the use of new emerging technologies, data science and management.The publication is a result of a collaboration between a group of experts nominated by EMB members and under the lead of Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi (University of Pisa, Italy) and Tasman Crowe (University College Dublin, Ireland).

ENDS