Brussels, 21/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - European marine science representatives are meeting in Aberdeen on Friday 22 June to make their contribution to the debate that has lasted for more than one year now on the future EU maritime policy. The European Commission points out that the 6th Framework Programme for Research has allowed some 250 projects to be funded, amounting to a total €612 million between 2002 and 2006.
“Oceans are the last under-explored domain on the planet. They offer huge potential in areas as varied as aquaculture, blue biotechnology, renewable energy, non-renewable fuels or mineral resources, to name but a few. Oceans are also essential to the understanding and mitigation of climate change. Science and technology are crucial to enabling us to reconcile the economic potential of all sea-based activities with environmental sustainability” - this is to be the main message delivered by Joe Borg, European Fisheries Commissioner, during his opening speech at the “EurOcean 2007” conference organised by the European Commission.
Leading figures in European marine research will come together and adopt a declaration at the end of the conference to stress the importance of their marine scientific disciplines in ensuring sustainable management of the seas and oceans. Participants will present several projects: - “HERMES”, headed by the Natural Environment Research Council of the United Kingdom, will analyse ecosystem characteristics along the European continental fringe; - the vessel detection system (VDS) perfected by the Commission's Joint Research Centre uses satellite imagery to monitor the fishing activity of vessels and contribute to combating illegal activity. This system has already shown its worth in the North East Atlantic and in the Mediterranean; - “VISIONS”, a network of partners representing research circles and companies, will seek to develop visionary techniques for the conception of vessels and floating structures in some sectors (tourism and maritime leisure activity, short distance maritime transport, inland waterway navigation, navigation on the high seas, and floating infrastructures). VISIONS brings together 24 key partners from 10 countries, from the corporate and academic worlds.
Broad consultation begun on the Green Paper for an EU maritime policy will come to an end on 30 June. The Commission plans to present a first package of practical measures in October this year. Its aim is to promote an overall and coherent approach of all policies that have an impact on maritime activities (navigation, shipbuilding, maritime transport, fisheries, tourism, port services, exploitation of energy sources, etc.). (lc)