European Marine Board   Leading European ocean experts have launched a publication, titled  Marine Science for a Sustainable Future, which will provide governments with robust, independent scientific advice on future seas and ocean research to 2030 and beyond. The launch took place during EurOCEAN2019, the European Marine Board conference in Paris (June 11).

The experts from the European Marine Board, an independent non-governmental advisory body that represents more than 10,000 marine scientists across Europe, have identified the key areas of marine science where there are still gaps in knowledge.

In the Foreword, Jan Mees, Chair of the European Marine Board states: “This knowledge is critical in understanding the four-dimensional ocean, to predict tsunamis and the impact of multiple stressors on biogeochemistry and biology, and to understand the impact of the future blue economy on our marine ecosystems. NFV shows that we need transdisciplinary science and sustainability science to address the management of a holistic four-dimensional ocean. It also highlights the technological advances and modelling needed for a possible future virtual ocean that would enhance public engagement and understanding of the ocean”.

NFV proposes the science we need for the forthcoming UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the next European Framework Program, Horizon Europe, and Mission on Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters. Specifically, the report recommends a solutions-oriented marine research agenda, co-designed with all stakeholders, and with the governance of sustainability at its core.

The full document is available for download here