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Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System

ICTS-SOCIB

To develop a coastal ocean observing and forecasting system, a scientific and technological infrastructure that provides free, open, quality controlled and timely streams of oceanographic data, in order to: 1. Support research and technology development on key internationally established topics such as: the role of the ocean in the climate system at an inter-annual scale, the interaction between currents and eddies, addressing vertical exchanges and physical and ecosystems variability, the variability in nearshore morpho-dynamics and the sea level variability 2. Support (on a longer term) strategic needs from society in the context of global change: sustainable management, science-based mitigation and adaptation strategies and also policy development and operational tools for decision support 3. Consolidate operational oceanography in the Balearic Islands, in Spain and Europe, contributing to the establishment of a well-structured center of excellence in an international frame

Lobbying Activity

Response to Ocean Observation

18 Nov 2020

The Balearic Islands Coastal Ocean Observing and Forecasting System -SOCIB-, a spanish marine research infrastructure, fully supports the Commission's initiative for a coherent approach to European Ocean Observation. An improvement in the coordination and a solid governance of a European Ocean Observing System is certainly needed in order to respond to the present and forthcoming scientific and societal challenges, achieve the UN SDGs and develop a sustainable Blue Economy. This initiative is a major step towards more integrated, sustainable and fit-for-purpose European Ocean Observations and a strengthened European leadership in Ocean Observations at the international level. We describe below the major identified problems and the solutions suggested, that are in all cases well aligned with the EC proposal. The current framework for ocean observation is loosely coordinated and is unable to ensure the sustainable management of the ocean. Ocean observations are divided into a plethora of organizations, which result in the duplication of efforts and a lack of coordination at the EU level. Top-down regulations such as an EU policy through a new governance system is needed to foster the development, management and execution of the EU roadmap and enable broad international cooperation, integration and coordination, providing sound added value to existing efforts. Today, ocean observations are mainly funded through regional, national or EU funded research projects of usually 3-4 years duration. Given the importance of ocean observations to address the UN SDGs and support the development of a sustainable Blue Economy, the establishment of a permanent ocean observing system with mandatory sustained structural funding should be a priority, in a similar manner to what is done for meteorology. Another major issue are the monitoring gaps, in particular in coastal regions, and the lack of integration of all components into a fully consistent characterisation of the ocean state and dynamics. Mission-driven innovation, multi-platform and interdisciplinary integration are essential components of a new Ocean Observing system, capable of responding to the major science and societal challenges. The European Ocean Observing system has to be science-based and designed to be fully interdisciplinary and capable of providing sustained observations of the required parameters at the appropriate temporal and spatial scales. Existing data, products and services from marine research infrastructures at regional, national and European level are the key elements of a more integrated Ocean Observing system in Europe. As operationally driven observing systems with solid research links, the marine research infrastructures guarantee sound transfer of knowledge and innovations, through interdisciplinary fields of expertise and intersectoral approaches, addressing global challenges together with industrial competitiveness. Increased societal and policy awareness of the needs, challenges and opportunities of ocean observing will not be possible without the Ocean Literacy tools and approaches. The ocean plays a key role in our life but is still far away from major political discussions. Ocean Literacy is a strategic enabler to engage with policy and society on the topics of ocean sustainability, ocean observations, and the use of oceanographic products and services. Ocean Literacy is a cross-cutting priority area in the UN Ocean Decade and Europe has a unique leadership capability in this international frame. SOCIB provides full support to the initiative and fully agrees with the analysis of impact as described in the EC document. This initiative will result in a lot of benefits for the scientific community, our society, and our economy. Concerning the implementation, we would suggest a Regulation rather than a Directive, since it would result in a simpler and faster execution. However, we leave the final decision to the appropriate actors.
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