Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of marine science and technology (MAST), 1989-1992

Part of the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1987-1991) under subactivity 7.1: "Marine science and technology".

This is the first Community programme in the field. Other Community programmes (e.g. environmental protection, climatology and natural hazards, fisheries, technological development in the hydrocarbons sector, non-nuclear energy and some activities of the Joint Research Centre) have a bearing on topics in marine science and technology, but none are directed specifically at marine research.
To contribute to a better knowledge of the marine environment, an improvement in its management and an enhanced capacity to predict changes within it on the basis of cooperation with national and international programmes in this field. Furthermore, to encourage the development of new technologies for the exploration, protection and exploitation of marine resources.
Four parts:

- Basic and applied marine science:
Directed at the study of the structure, stability and dynamics of the marine environment, with particular reference to water quality and fauna and flora, and focused on coastal waters and seas surrounding Community Member States;

- Coastal zone science and engineering:
Concerned with coastal problems and processes, including coastal protection, and with the development of better design criteria for coastal engineering;

- Marine technology:
Focused on encouraging the development of new instrumentation and the generic enabling technology necessary for the advancement of marine science;

- Supporting initiatives:
Aimed at improving coordination, avoiding duplication of work, using facilities more cost-effectively, improving specialized training, assisting technology transfer and contributing to pre-standardization.
The Commission, assisted by an advisory committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission, is responsible for executing the programme by means of shared-cost research contracts, study contracts, coordination projects, awards for training, mobility grants and dissemination activities, taking into account the necessary rules of protection.

Participants may be industrial companies (including small and medium-sized enterprises), research institutions, universities, individuals or any combination thereof established in the Community. Shared- cost research projects involving research centres (and/or universities) and industry are particularly welcome and are mandatory in the case of marine technology. The projects should, in general, be carried out by participants from more than one Member State.

Shared-cost contracts are awarded following a selection procedure based on calls for proposals. The Community may bear up to 50% of total expenditure or, where universities and research institutes are involved, up to 100% of the marginal costs. Contracts concluded by the Commission govern the rights and obligations of each party, in particular arrangements for the dissemination, protection and exploitation of research results.

The Commission is authorized to negotiate agreements with non-Member States and international organizations, with a view to associating them wholly or partly with the programme. This applies in particular to those countries participating in European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST) and to those which have concluded framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation with the Community. Where such framework agreements exist, organizations and enterprises established in those countries may, on the basis of mutual advantage, become partners in a project undertaken within the programme.

During the second year of implementation, the Commission will review the programme and submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council. It will subsequent submit a final evaluation of the results achieved.