Science-based governance of oceans benefits blue economy
The world’s oceans control climate, provide food and are the source of livelihoods for 3 billion people. Marine ecosystems are arguably the most important on the planet. In recognition of this, the UN has deemed 2021-2030 the Ocean Decade. The EU-funded EuroSea project dovetails nicely with this global initiative, as one of the project’s overarching goals is to integrate European national ocean observation systems into an international system.
Observation systems foster sustainability
Collecting information about the condition of ocean environments creates a vast amount of data. EuroSea worked to increase the quality of data gathered as well as to improve access and connectivity between stakeholders. One example of how EuroSea facilitated data collection pertains to farmed fishing. According to project coordinator Toste Tanhua: “We were able to create information around aquaculture sites by installing special moorings with instruments and combine this with other data to provide forecast services for the operators.” In addition to helping to improve the data available about specific marine environments, EuroSea did much to facilitate the sharing of information with diverse partners. Tanhua elaborates with an example: “For instance, we were able to support the combination of observations and information from the oceanographic and fisheries communities in both the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. This way there is a better exchange of information to the benefit of all.” The oceans contain a multitude of natural resources. Improving observation systems with respect to quality of data and how data is shared is essential to maintaining healthy marine environments. By coordinating communication, EuroSea fosters a global environment in which economic interests can be balanced against the need for environmental protection.
Ocean forecasting strengthens the blue economy
Data gleaned from observations becomes a powerful tool when it is used for predictive modelling. One of the services the project provided was an integrated set of tools to forecast waves, sea levels and temperatures. Researchers combined tide gauge data with satellite altimetry to validate ocean models. They have helped industries to better foresee extreme marine events, such as ocean heat waves or low oxygen levels in the water. One important climate indicator is carbon measurements. Using autonomous surface vehicles, EuroSea collected data on carbon fluxes and uptake in the Atlantic and the Western Mediterranean. Awareness of trends in climate patterns allows industries to prepare, recognising when ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable and when they are in a more robust state. EuroSea initiatives range from optimising technologies and information sharing systems to aligning European ocean governance with global best practices and strengthening the European Ocean Observing System. Communication was an important part of bringing together diverse constituencies and ensuring all stakeholders were working towards the common goal of sustainable, science-based ocean management. The project brought together partners from 16 nations and two UN agencies. Pilot sites in Bueno Ventura, Barcelona and Taranto (Italy) focused on services and improvement for fisheries and aquaculture, ports and coastal communities. EuroSea has received a lot of positive feedback from these stakeholders, and given its focus on observation and forecasting infrastructures, project work is slated to have a sustained positive impact.
Keywords
EuroSea, ocean, marine, aquaculture, science-based, blue economy, forecasting system, sustainability, European Ocean Observing System
