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EuroGOOS International Conference: Register now!
Registration for the 9th EuroGOOS International Conference is now open. The event offers a vibrant scientific programme on operational oceanography, climate, and ocean health, exciting networking opportunities, and access to exhibitors in a dynamic, digital setting. Discover our confirmed plenary speakers and seize the opportunity to connect with leading experts, researchers, and policymakers; join insightful sessions to learn about the latest research and innovation developments in operational oceanography; showcase your top projects, innovative products, and cutting-edge technologies in the conference’s virtual Marketplace; and find new research and business partners through pre-scheduled, targeted one-to-one meetings. Learn more about the event and register here.
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FerryBox and High Frequency Radar Joint Workshop
A joint FerryBox and High Frequency Radar Workshop was held virtually on 17-18 March. The event brought together the FerryBox and High Frequency Radar communities to exchange information on recent activities, share experiences, and discuss ways forward for different maritime regions. The workshop featured a joint session which provided an overview of the work of both communities, connections to global initiatives, and contributions to the OceanOPS and EMODnet programme, as well as two parallel sessions dedicated to FerryBox and High Frequency Radar topics. The event was organized within the activities of the EuroGOOS FerryBox and High Frequency Radar Task Teams in collaboration with the EuroSea project, JERICO-S3, and EMODnet, and was hosted by SMHI.
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EuroGOOS Fixed Platforms Task Team Meeting
A revamped Fixed Platforms Task Team held its first meeting on 25 March. The new Task Team Chair, Giusseppe Magnifico (National Research Council, Italy) presented the main objectives and the new Terms of Reference of the Task Team; Alan Berry (Marine Institute, Ireland) was appointed Vice-Chair. The 15 members of the Task Team presented the facilities and expertise of their institutions as well as their main objectives such as improving networking, sharing best practices, and fostering links with international initiatives. More information about the group will be posted on the dedicated page of the EuroGOOS website.
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OceanGliders Best Practices Workshop
The workshop will be held between 11 and 25 May 2021 in a fully virtual and highly interactive format. Discussions will focus on the OceanGliders programme and best practices for glider activities to ensure that the data collected by gliders is available to a broader community to better understand the ocean. The preliminary agenda of the event can be accessed here.
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EOOS Operations Committee second meeting and EOOS Steering Group bi-annual meeting
On 10 March, the EOOS Operations Committee held its second meeting to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the EOOS Strategy. Members exchanged ideas on ways to map infrastructures and observing networks, and integrate biological observations into current observing systems; the potential role of National Committees as coordination bodies was also discussed. Laurent Delauney was elected new Chair for the Committee, with the EuroGOOS Secretary General taking the role of Vice-Chair. Read more here.
The bi-annual meeting of the EOOS Steering Group followed suit on 19 March. The Steering Group discussed progress on the concept notes for the EOOS pilot activities, which will be released on the website in the coming weeks. Four concept notes were developed on biological observations, optimization of Marine Strategy Framework Directive monitoring, cost-benefit analysis of ocean observations, and mapping of the existing infrastructures. It was also agreed to meet for an intersessional call in early summer 2021 to discuss the EOOS communication plan.
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FORCOAST Progress Meeting
On 16 March, the FORCOAST project held its progress meeting to assess the status of activities and discuss next steps. Presentations and talks focused on creating the first prototype for the FORCOAST platform, elaborating an effective business model, and developing sound exploitation strategies to integrate FORCOAST services into industrial settings.
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NOC-led project awarded funding to enhance marine autonomy in coastal waters
A new project led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has received funding of £400,000 from the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator to enhance the autonomy of robotic underwater vehicles in congested littoral and coastal waters. A system will be developed to enable autonomous vehicles to operate in cluttered coastal settings such as ports and harbors, reducing risks associated with work in busy marine environments. Read more information here.
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PLOCAN holds virtual workshop to facilitate the deployment of offshore renewable energies in Spain
On 4 March, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) hosted a workshop to facilitate the implementation of offshore renewable energy projects. A wide range of representatives from industry, government, academia, and civil society in Spain and Portugal discussed ways of better managing authorizations and permits related to offshore renewable energy projects. The event was co-financed by the GRIPP project and marked the beginning of a series of initiatives meant to accelerate the deployment of offshore renewable energies in Spain. More information can be found here.
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CMCC Foundation develops a Data Delivery System to facilitate access to research data
The new Data Delivery System developed by the CMCC Foundation provides open and free access to a variety of climate datasets produced through CMCC’s multidisciplinary research activities. The tool will benefit the scientific community worldwide by facilitating the dissemination and use of climate data via a simplified web portal. The service is expected to expand with new datasets and visualization features. Discover the CMCC tool here.
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Registration open for AZTI Summer School
The 17th edition of AZTI’s Summer School will take place online from 8 to 10 June 2021. The central theme of the event, ‘OceanOptimism: balancing the narrative about the future of the ocean’, will provide an opportunity to focus on positive trends in the marine space, success stories in ocean conservation, examples of good practices and recovery of marine systems, and better solutions to protect the ocean. Discover the programme here and the speaker lineup here. Registrations are open until 31 May 2021.
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Scientists of Opportunity: Call for applications to join research vessel Belgica II
Marine scientists can submit their applications to join the Belgian Research Vessel Belgica II, coordinated by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), as part of the TAIPro2022 cruise funded by the Eurofleets+ project and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM). The cruise will take place for 10 days in Summer 2022, in the Western Mediterranean. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2021. Further details and application guidelines can be found here.
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Researchers at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences publish first results from the Argo floats in the Baltic Sea
In a scientific article published in Oceanologia, researchers at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences (IO PAN) have examined the first results from the Argo floats deployed in the Baltic Sea. The article describes the Argo float technology, network organization, and data potential in the southern Baltic Sea, highlighting the reliability and cost-effectiveness of Argos. Read the article here.
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Survey of experts conducted by Deltares, Wageningen University and Utrecht University reveals that three quarters of European countries are planning for sea level rise
The study, jointly conducted by Deltares, Wageningen University and Utrecht University, examined expert survey inputs from 32 states to produce the first overview of how different coastal countries in Europe are preparing for sea live rise (SLR). Findings suggest that while most countries are planning for SLR, a quarter reportedly lack such official measures. Additionally, major differences in the level of preparedness and adaption strategies were noted between different countries. Read the article here.
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ENEA and CNR researchers to study the 'Arctic amplification' phenomenon
The ECAPAC and SENTINEL projects, coordinated by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) and the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR-ISP) respectively, are examining the causes, processes, and implications of the faster warming rate in the Arctic compared to the rest of the globe – also known as ‘Arctic amplification’. The studies will enhance scientific knowledge on the Arctic region and climate change, while fostering international cooperation. Learn more here.
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New European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency will become operational on 1 April 2021
A new executive agency – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) – was established by the European Commission in February 2021 and will start its operations on 1 April 2021. CINEA is the successor of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and will run between 2021 and 2017 with more than 500 staff and a budget of €52 billion. The new agency will support the European Green Deal by taking on a number of EU programmes. Watch a short presentation here and read more here.
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Three EU Agencies renew and expand cooperation on coast guard functions
On 18 March, the EU agencies Frontex, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) signed a new working arrangement that will facilitate cooperation on risk analysis and information sharing. The three agencies will continue to work together to support national authorities involved in maritime safety and security, including in the areas of search and rescue, border management, fisheries control, customs activities, law enforcement, and environmental protection. Read more here.
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European Commission releases knowledge hub dedicated to algae biomass
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has published a new section on algae on its ‘Knowledge for Policy’ webpages. The page features facts and figures on algae biomass production in Europe, a biomass glossary, relevant legislation and policies as well as access to multiple resources including related research projects, news, and events. Next year, the European Commission will present a strategy supporting the sustainable production and consumption of algae. Learn more here.
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Copernicus Marine Service releases revamped website
The redesigned Copernicus Marine Service website offers an expanded portfolio of ocean data as well as several new features. Users can now access information through an optimized interface and explore various interactive tools in the ‘Access data’, ‘Services’ and ‘User Corner’ webpages, such as MyOcean Viewer tool and the Product Quality Dashboard. Explore the website here.
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Call for posters open for the EMODnet Open Conference
The call for poster abstracts for the EMODnet Open Conference is open until 6 April 2021. Submissions are invited on topics related to EMODnet open access data, data products, applications, and interoperability across four main themes: (1) EMODnet contributors, (2) EMODnet for users, (3) EMODnet for innovation, and (4) EMODnet partnerships. The conference will be held as a fully virtual event from 14 to 16 June 2021. Read more here.
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JPI Oceans Strategy Framework 2021-2025
On 29 March, JPI Oceans launched its Strategy Framework 2021-2025 in a dedicated event which also discussed the JPI Oceans contributions to Horizon Europe and the UN Ocean Decade. The new Strategy Framework builds on the previous vision and scope of JPI Oceans while considering the European and international developments that have emerged since the adoption of the JPI Oceans first Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda 2015-2020. The Strategy Framework has three interconnected priority areas: (1) Ocean Health, (2) Ocean Productivity, and (3) Ocean Stewardship & Governance. Read more here.
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IMOS Strategy 2030
On 10 March, Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) released its Strategy 2030 outlining its main priorities over the next decade to respond to the key challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s ocean space. Building on the previous IMOS Strategy 2015–2025, the new roadmap puts forth five key missions and 12 strategic objectives supporting the sustainable management of marine resources, decision-making, blue economy as well as broader societal needs. Read the full document here.
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New report by World Bank highlights the socioeconomic benefits of weather observations
Improving the collection and international exchange of surface-based observations could result in additional socioeconomic benefits worth over $5 billion a year, reveals a new report issued by the World Bank and jointly produced with the World Meteorological Organization and the Met Office (UK). Investments in improving surface-based observations in data-sparse developing countries are expected to have the most significant impact on the quality of weather and climate products and to yield the highest return from a global perspective. Read the full study here.
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Friends of Ocean Action releases Impact Report fast-tracking solutions for a healthy ocean
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The draft Ocean Decade Arctic Action Plan available for public review
A preliminary draft of the Ocean Decade – Arctic Action Plan is available for public consultation and feedback until 11 April 2021. Building on the recommendations of the Ocean Decade Implementation Plan and supported by IOC-UNESCO, the document advances key actions and priorities for sustainable development in the Arctic region. The plan is the result of a bottom-up process overseen by the Danish Centre for Marine Research and involving over 300 participants from science, government, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society. Access the draft plan here.
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Call for EUSBR success stories for the Baltic Stories online magazine
The ‘Let’s communicate!’ project, supporting the communications activities of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), is currently looking for success stories on climate protection in the Baltic Sea region. Relevant contributions will be featured in the ‘Baltic Stories’ digital magazine dedicated to promoting cooperation around the Baltic Sea. Applications are open until 16 April 2021. Find out more here.
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Call for session proposals for Sea Tech Week 2022
From 26 to 30 September 2022, the 13th Sea Tech Week in Brest, France will bring together marine and maritime experts to discuss a wide range of topics related to the central theme of the event: ‘Maritime Transport: towards smarter and greener solutions’. The event will enable participants to present their latest research, highlight their latest marine products and services, and develop new partnerships. Session proposals should be submitted before 6 September 2021. More information is available here.
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Session proposal open for the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2022
The Ocean Sciences Meeting will take place on 27 February-4 March 2022, featuring virtual, hybrid, and in-person sessions. The event’s theme, ‘Come Together and Connect’, highlights the importance of consolidating the ocean sciences community, sharing knowledge, and fostering cooperation. Submissions for scientific sessions, tutorials, and innovative sessions are open until 26 May 2021. Read more here.
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Eurofleets+ International Workshop
The first international workshop of Eurofleets+ project will take place on 13 April 2021. Bringing together representatives from research vessels operators, fixed-point observatories, mobile systems, remote sensing as well as policymakers in the environmental and marine domain, the meeting will focus on combining fixed and mobile ocean observing systems and will explore links with satellite observations. Find out more here.
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International Conference on Ecosystem-Based Management and Marine Sciences
The two-day conference will take place on 17-18 May 2021 in Sydney, Australia. The event will provide an interdisciplinary meeting ground in which leading scientists, researchers, and scholars can come together to discuss topics related to ecosystem-based management and marine sciences. Read more here.
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European Maritime Day (EMD) and EMD In My Country 2021
The European Maritime Day will be held virtually from Den Helder, The Netherlands on 20-21 May 2021. The event will use an interactive format to engage ocean leaders and the broader maritime community in a dialogue on a wide range of topics related to a sustainable blue economy, marine research and innovation, and the marine environment. Register here until 4 May 2021. In parallel with the EMD Conference, a record number of 232 events spanning across 25 countries will take place under the ‘EMD In My Country’ umbrella from April to October 2021. Read more here.
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Second International Operational Satellite Oceanography Symposium
The second international Operational Satellite Oceanography (OSO) Symposium, co-organized by EUMETSAT & NOAA NESDIS STAR, will be held online on 25-27 May 2021. Presentations and talks will focus on the use of satellite data in coupled numerical models for ocean, weather, climate, and environment analysis and prediction as well as in operational applications for coastal waters. Registration is free of charge and open until 15 May. Read more here.
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UN World Oceans Day 2021: 'The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods'
Celebrated each year on 8 June, UN World Oceans Day brings together people worldwide to reflect on and take action to protect the ocean, its biodiversity, and its resources. The 2021 edition will provide an opportunity to better understand how the ocean supports life and livelihoods, and will explore themes such as biodiversity, cutting-edge oceanic discoveries, the interconnections between the ocean and its ecosystems, and more. Learn more about the event here.
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11th MARE People and the Sea Conference
The MARE Conference People & the Sea will take place virtually on 28 June-2 July 2021. Under the theme ‘Limits to Blue Growth?’, the event will offer a space to reflect and engage in critical conversations about the blue growth and the blue economy agenda, the nexus between ocean exploitation and conservation, and the implications for communities whose livelihoods depend on the ocean. More information is available here.
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CoastGIS 2021
CoastGIS 2021, the 14th international Coastal GIS Symposium, will take place on 16-18 September 2021 as a hybrid event in Raseborg, Finland and online. The symposium will bring together researchers and practitioners in the fields of marine and coastal Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and computer cartography to discuss challenges and solutions for the sustainable management of coastal space and resources. Abstract submission is open until 15 April. Read more here.
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Global Oceans 2021 Conference
The Global OCEANS 2021 will be held in-person in San Diego and Porto and online on 20-23 September. Jointly organized by the Marine Technology Society and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, the event will bring together leading marine technologists, ocean engineers, industry professionals, members of academia, and government officials for a dialogue on how to advance research, technologies, practices, and policies in the marine field. Registration is set to open Summer 2021. Read more here.
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