EU funds development of integrated observing system for Atlantic Ocean

EU-funded researchers are driving the development of an integrated system to apply a common strategy to a range of data about the state of the Atlantic which is collected by a variety of organizations via a number of means including buoys, floats, moorings and research vessels.

The €20m-plus EU AtlantOS project currently underway is dedicated to the creation of an integrated Atlantic Ocean observing system. Project coordinator Martin Visbeck of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, in Germany said:

“We are working on several measures to advance the strategic development of this system, to connect existing activities to make them more efficient.” The consortium is also aiming at extending the scope of information available from observation of the Atlantic, Visbeck added. “There is a rapidly growing desire among decision-makers – both in the public and the private sector – for more and in particular more data based information from the ocean.” Click here for more information

A new marine science centre has opened in Norwich aiming to provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the world’s seas and society, from climate change, to energy and food security. The Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS) brings together over 40 scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Cefas and the University of East Anglia have worked together since Cefas first became an Affiliated Institute of UEA in 1965. This enduring and productive relationship is based on our shared interest in the marine environment, climate science, provision of policy advice and scientific excellence. In the 50th year of our Affiliation, we established the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS). Bringing together people and investment from Cefas and UEA, CCSUS provides an interdisciplinary hub for research, engagement, knowledge transfer and training. Click here to read more

Planet – satellites – cheap total cover of land space – new generation of small satellites

Planet successfully launched 88 Dove satellites to orbit—the largest satellite constellation ever to reach orbit. This is not just a launch (or a world record, for that matter!); for our team this is a major milestone. With these satellites in orbit, Planet will reach its Mission 1: the ability to image all of Earth’s landmass every day. This the culmination of a huge effort over the past 5 years. In 2011 we set ourselves the audacious mission of imaging the entire Earth land area every day. We were convinced that armed with such data, humanity would be able to have a significant positive impact on many of the world’s greatest challenges. We calculated that it would take between 100-150 satellites to achieve this, and we started building them. After today’s launch, Planet operates 149 satellites in orbit. We have reached our milestone. Click here to read more