Background and Rationale
Over the last decade a number of important initiatives have shaped research activities on marine biodiversity in Europe. For example, several large Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence funded through the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes have specifically addressed marine biodiversity (e.g. FP6 MARBEF NoE). Completed in 2010, the Census of Marine Life, a global project on life in the oceans, also received many important contributions from European scientists and institutions.
However, while knowledge on marine biodiversity and associated ecosystem functioning has increased rapidly, important advances have yet to be made and a concerted European effort will be required across several domains, e.g. in relation to climate change. Political interest is also increasing because awareness and knowledge of the socio-economic consequences of biodiversity change/loss has grown considerably. Management of marine biodiversity through holistic marine policies and governance (Marine Protected Areas, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, marine spatial planning, etc.) is, however, still poorly developed. A Marine Board vision document will be timely and necessary to raise the profile of marine biodiversity research to ensure these issues are addressed in future research and capacity-building programmes at both national and international levels.
High-level Objectives of the Vision Document
- To highlight recent key achievements and outputs in marine biodiversity research delivered through international/EU scientific programmes;
- To place marine biodiversity research in the context of policy developments and needs;
- To identify research and management gaps and needs to address the emerging challenges both in science and policy making processes;
- To secure long-term commitment in supporting biodiversity research both in terms of programmes and infrastructures at the EU level.
Core Group
- Carlo Heip, NIOZ, Netherlands - Coordinator
- Mike Thorndyke, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Freidrich Bucholz, AWI, Germany
- Peter Haugan and Anders Goksoyr, University of Bergen, Norway
In addition, experts are consulted on an ad hoc basis to facilitate completion and revision of the information.
Marine Board support: Jan-Bart Calewaert Email
ESF provides the scientific, administrative and technical secretariat for COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).