9 juni 2009 EMECO European Marine Ecosystem Observatory Remi Laane and Dave Mills

Goal Why? Examples Challenges

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Goal UK-Cefas, EA, NOC, SAHFOS; NL-Rijkswaterstaat, Deltares, NIOZ, Norway-IMR, NERSC, Met Off; DE- GKSS, BSH, BE – MUMM, F – IFREMER, RoE – Marine Institute, Denmark – NIVA; S - SMHI Builds on existing infrastructure Multi-scale – time & space Supports the Ecosystem Approach EuroGOOS project Anticipates EU current & future policy needs EMECO is an informal European network for integration of monitoring, modelling & research.

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels “The marine environment is a precious heritage that must be protected, restored and treated as such with the ultimate aim of providing biologically diverse and dynamic oceans and seas that are safe, clean, healthy and productive.” Why? political and management Sustainable use Ecosystem integrity EMS, WFDGreenbook socio-economical systemnatural ecosystem

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Why? scientifically After Dickey BuoyShips Space Time Satellites Eco - Models

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Example (1): sampling complex structures Fixed depth CPR tow Ship lowered fluorometer Satellite sees ?

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Example (2): integrated monitoring Oyster Grounds UK/NL SmartBuoy site Chlorophyll (mg m -3 ) Chlorophyll Fluorescenc Chlorophyll algorithms from F Gohin, IFREMER

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Example (3): Environmental assessment - Nitarte Chlorophyll Over-winter - November to February Growing season – March to October 16.5 = = = = = = = = = = = + ? Liverpool Bay Liverpool Bay SmartBuoy Data Mills (2007) Low frequency sampling (italic) undersampling

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Example (4): FerryBox Appropriate spatial & temporal resolution (through water column) Variables measured with required accuracy and precision Operational – reliable, repeatable, Quality Assured Effective monitoring requires: Future monitoring : Spatial coverage poor in places Gaps in phytoplankton sampling augment current routes with relevant ‘eutropication’ sensors/samplers Integrated approach SmartBuoys

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Example (5): EMECO example product User generated maps ‘Agreed’ international map of chlorophyll Transparent information product with estimate of confidence Step towards EU harmonisation Data Integration & Assessment System

9 juni 2009MODEG Brussels Summary EMECO provides a strategy to meet new challenges integrated assessments of GES, cross boundary improved detection of environmental change Build on current infrastructure of operational monitoring Future is Integrated – multi-platform, multi-agency, multi-national Draws together monitoring, modelling and research info assessment data scope of proposed project design