Marine scientists outline research priorities
Marine scientists from across Europe have outlined what they believe are the most important thematic research priorities in their field. The priorities are outlined in 'Navigating the Future III', a position paper put together by the European Science Foundation's Marine Board. The paper takes into account European legislation affecting marine research, such as the Seventh Framework Programme for research and the European Maritime Policy, as well as national research programmes and international marine policies. 'Addressing topics ranging from climate studies to biodiversity, marine research is intrinsically an international activity with opportunities for countries from throughout Europe to cooperate, addressing environmental problems of pan-European relevance and significance,' Jean-François Minster, Chairman of the ESF Marine Board, writes in the foreword to the document. 'Complementary research should be coordinated to achieve optimal results towards enhanced information and knowledge of the oceans and their environments, a key research output.' Challenges identified in the report include the need to enhance detection and assessment of the impacts of climate change on the oceans and more research into the functional role, evolution, protection and exploitation of marine biodiversity. Linked to this last point, they highlight the need for an ecosystem approach to resource management in the seas, in fields ranging from fisheries to coastal zone management. In coastal waters, the authors note that more work needs to be done on toxic algae, viruses and the ecotoxological and health impacts of pollutants, while further out to sea, at the continental margins, they call for more research into deep-sea ecosystems and greater focus on developing and implementing deep sea observatories. Under the heading 'marine technology', the report calls for the development of in situ observation systems, software for data processing and numerical modelling, as well as material and systems for maritime activities and technology transfer between disciplines. 'Navigating the Future III will be considered as a crucial contribution towards strengthening existing, and encouraging further development of, coordination, cooperation and networks, and fostering openness towards a more integrate approach to marine research in Europe,' commented Mr Minster.