TOWARDS A JOINT EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK FOR COASTAL OBSERVATORIES
Around European coastal seas, the number of marine observing systems is quickly increasing under the pressure of both monitoring requirements and oceanographic research. Present demands for such systems include reliable, high-quality and comprehensive observations, automated platforms and sensors systems, as well as autonomy over long time periods. In-situ data collected, combined with remote sensing and models output, contribute to detect, understand and forecast the most crucial coastal processes over extensive areas within the various national and regional marine environments.
Coastal observations are an important part of the marine research puzzle of activities and applications. However significant heterogeneity exists in Europe concerning technological design of observing systems, measured parameters, practices for maintenance and quality control, as well as quality standards for sensors and data exchange. Up to now, the expansion of “coastal observatories” has been driven by domestic interests and mainly undertaken through short-term research projects. Therefore the main challenge for the research community is now to increase the coherence and the sustainability of these dispersed infrastructures by addressing their future within a shared pan-European framework.
This is the main objective of JERICO, which proposes a Pan European approach for a European coastal marine observatory network, integrating infrastructure and technologies such as moorings, drifters, ferrybox and gliders. Networking activities will lead to the definitions of best practices for design, implementation, maintenance and distribution of data of coastal observing systems, as well as the definition of a quality standard. Harmonisation and strengthening coastal observation systems within EuroGOOS regions will be sought. Unique twin Trans National Access experiments will be carried out in order to reveal the potential of datasets used in synergy. Central coastal infrastructure in Europe will be opened for international research. This will among other benefits GMES and European contribution to climate change research. New joint research will be conducted in order to identify new and strategic technologies to be implemented in the next generation European coastal observatories. Focus is given on emerging technologies and the biochemical compartment.
JERICO intends to contribute to the international and global effort on climate change research (GEOSS), to provide coastal data inputs for operational ocean observing and forecasting, and also to answer to some of the needs of the environmental research and societal communities.
PARTNERS
The JERICO consortium is composed of 27 partners representing 17 European countries. The partners have a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of coastal observations from the technology used to collect the data through to outputs and dissemination of data products.
- IFREMER, French Research Institute for the Sustainable Exploitation of the Sea
- SYKE, Finnish Environment Institute
- IBWPAN, The Department of Coastal Engineering and Dynamics
- DMI, Rks Meteorologiske Institut
- NIVA, Norwegian Institute for Water Research
- IMR, Havforskinings Institutet
- DELTARES, Stichting Deltares
- OGS, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di geofisica Sperimentale
- CNR, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
- UOM, International Ocean Institute – Malta Operational Centre
- HCMR, Hellenic Centre For Marine Research
- NERC, Natural Environment Research Council
- INGV, Istituto Nazionale Di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
- HZG, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research GmbH
- MUMM, The Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models and the Scheldt estuary
- CEFAS, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
- SMHI, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
- CSIC, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
- NIOZ, Stichting Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut Voor Zeeonderzoek
- MI, Marine Institute
- BL, Blue Lobster
- TECNALIA-AZTI, Fundacion AZTI
- INSU/CNRS, National Center for Scientific Research
- IH, Instituto Hidrografico
- UPC, The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
WORK PACKAGE
- Work Package 1, A Common Strategy
- Work Package 2, Strengthening Regional and Trans-regional Actives
- Work Package 3, Harmonizing Technological Aspects
- Work Package 4, Harmonizing operation and maintenance methods
- Work Package 5, Data Management and Distribution
- Work Package 6, Outreach
- Work Package 7, Service and Data Access
- Work Package 8,
- Work Package 9, New Methos to Assess the Impact of Coastal Observing Systems
- Work Package 10, Improved Existing and Emerging Technologies
- Work Package 11, Management of the Project
DELIVERABLES
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MILESTONES
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