Consultation on EMODNET - building a European marine data infrastructure
The EU's Maritime Policy Blue Book, welcomed by the European Council in December 2007, undertook to take steps towards a European Marine Observation and Data Network. Steps taken since then include the launching of preparatory actions, the setting up of a Marine Observation and Data Expert Group, the formulation of broad principles for marine data management and the preparation of a roadmap.
These initiatives cover all marine data – hydrographic, geological, physical, chemical, biological - as well as human activity that impacts on the marine environment. Socio-economic data of coastal communities and maritime industries have not been included; not because the Commission does not feel that they are important. Rather they are the subject of a separate parallel initiative led by Eurostat - the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
The public consultation on this issue was hold between 7 April and 2 June 2009. Its objective was to assess the stakeholder opinion on the current state of Europe's marine knowledge infrastructure and how the EU could act collectively to improve it. About 300 replies have been received. A full analysis of the consultation is underway but in the meantime a summary of the answers to questions is available online.
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/consultation_emodnet_en....
Posted on: 04.06.2009