Research vital for successful maritime policy, says Borg
The EU's marine scientists must secure Europe's leadership in marine research, according to Joe Borg, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Speaking at the opening of the academic year at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, Mr Borg presented his vision for the future of European marine research and its role in supporting the economy and protecting the environment. Quoting from the Commission's own strategic objectives for ocean policy, Mr Borg said, 'We aim at developing a thriving maritime economy and the full potential of sea-based activity in an environmentally sustainable manner. Such a policy should be supported by excellence in marine scientific research, technology and innovation.' Marine research can help us answer some of the biggest challenges facing the world, such as climate change, energy security and food supply. At the same time, research can help to resolve more immediate, practical problems, such as whether certain activities should be permitted in a given area or not. However, marine research takes place in a range of fields, from biology through geology to offshore engineering. 'Against this backdrop of fragmentation, ensuring the coordination and cooperation of this specialised research is the logical next step,' commented the Commissioner. In this respect the University of Wageningen is already leading the way; earlier this year it set up IMARES, the Institute for Marine Resources & Ecosystem Studies, together with Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO. IMARES brings together scientists from different areas of marine research to obtain a more comprehensive view of the oceans. Mr Borg went on to exhort the marine research community to take full advantage of EU research funds. 'Research framework funds are available to European scientists to work on joint projects and to forge stronger ties between them,' he said. 'I would urge you to seize the opportunities offered in the 7th Framework Programme to create a true European Marine Research Area.' He added that the Commission's Green Paper on a future maritime policy asks for feedback on how the EU could support cooperation and cohesion within the European marine scientific community. To ensure results of marine research are fully exploited, Mr Borg suggested the creation of a common database containing geological, biological and economic marine data. 'A European Marine Observation and Data Network could be formed, paving the way to a more comprehensive picture of our oceans and seas,' he noted. He also reminded his audience that the Green Paper had proposed the idea of an EU marine atlas. 'A systematic mapping of the seabed of Europe's coastal waters will be of great benefit to all those that are involved in ecosystem analysis, spatial planning, safety at sea and the study of the marine climate,' he said. Mr Borg concluded by encouraging marine scientists to take part in the relevant debates. 'Your knowledge is essential in finding the answers to our questions,' he said. 'So I invite you to use your knowledge, your power; to be imaginative, to innovate; and to tell us what you think.'
Countries
Netherlands