Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung e.V.
KDM
KDM - The German Marine Research Consortium is made up of 20 research institutions, universities and public agencies of Germany in the field of marine and polar sciences as well as of coastal research.
ID: 94603465987-30
Lobbying Activity
Response to The European Oceans Pact
14 Feb 2025
Transparent Oceans A contribution of the Strategy Group on Marine Mineral Resources of KDM The German Marine Research Consortium Oceans are vital for climate stability, biodiversity, and numerous other life-supporting services. However, they are under intense pressure from human activities. The potential extraction of marine mineral resources and the sinking of biomass for carbon storage, to name but two examples of potential new activities, pose further pressure that remain insufficiently researched. Additionally, there is an increasing need to protect civilian infrastructures across vast ocean expanses. In short, human interests and activities in the deep sea are expanding rapidly. In the past Framework Programmes, the EU has not prioritised deep-sea research. However, it is in the European Unions economic, environmental, and security interests to monitor the ocean as efficiently and effectively as possible. To achieve this, technologies, systems, and societal institutions must be strengthened through expanded expertise and capacity building. This proposal is for the EU to develop new technology that enables Modular Deep-Sea Observations, particularly for Environmental Monitoring. Objective of the Initiative- The development of a wireless modular observatory for long-term deep-sea environmental monitoring. The wireless modular observatory will collect standardised physical, chemical, and biological data to provide a comprehensive assessment of activities such as the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining and climate engineering. Key Components of the Observatory 1. Measurement and Sampling Systems: Sensors for monitoring physical, chemical, and biological parameters. 2. Autonomous Platforms: Mobile and stationary systems for continuous data collection and long-term monitoring. 3. Energy Supply and Data Transmission: Efficient underwater power solutions and real-time data transfer via satellite communication. 4. Social Science Research: Analysis of public perception and societal acceptance of deep-sea mining. 5. Data Management: Centralized storage, analysis, and distribution of collected information under FAIR principles. Expected Impact Providing scientifically sound data (particularly currently non-existing data on temporal variability)reliable scientific data for evaluating the environmental effects of deep-sea activities. Establishing international standards for deep-sea environmental impact assessment. Promoting interdisciplinary research on public acceptance, policy implications and societal impacts. Developing innovative technologies with broader applications in marine research and industrial activities in the ocean. Funding Estimated costs range between 20-50 million, covering the development of sensor systems, robotics, energy supply, data management and communication, and social science research as well as testing and commercialization. The observatory aims to serve as a long-term platform for global deep-sea environmental monitoring, supporting informed decision-making for science, policy, and industry.
Read full responseMeeting with Maria da Graça Carvalho (Member of the European Parliament)
31 May 2023 · Creation of a KIC on water and ocean within the EIT