From observation to data to information for scientists, policymakers… and the industry

1. From observation to data to information for scientists, policymakers… and the industry Jean-François MINSTER Total S.A. How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean! Arthur C. Clarke

2. Challenges for Ocean Sciences • Knowledge of an integrated dynamic system • Addressing major socio-economic issues • Climate and environmental effects • Exploitation of energy and resources • Coastal management and maritime transport … Enhancement and sustainability of ocean exploitation needs understanding and information First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

3. Challenges for Ocean Information • Variety of scientific competences and technologies • From small projects to large integrated programs • Variety of Research infrastructures (50% of cost) • RV, in situ networks; experimental facilities; large computer center; satellites; data system. • Supporting strategic evolutions • Long term observatories; operational oceanography • Providing information to a variety of users First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

4. Elements of an European consolidating approach • Establishing MS as a strategic component of maritime policies • Elaborating a comprehensive science perspective • Sharing approaches in infrastructure investment and management • Networking institutes and teams (National and European) • Integrating operational oceanography at the EU Scale (GMES and GEO) First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

5. Back to Galway May 2004 • … To ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of: • the crucial role of the oceans in climate, carbon cycle and Life on Earth. • the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda. • the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment. • the critical role the European Research Area / 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science & technology. First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

6. Some political priorities of the Blue Paper • Marine spatial planning / integrated management of sea space • Predicting and mitigating impact of climate change, particularly on coastal regions • More sustainable maritime transport • Sustainable exploitation of marine resources • Networking maritime surveillance • Maritime / Marine clusters • International cooperation (Importance of Mediterranean and potential of outermost regions) The ecosystem based approach of sea based activities is a central principle First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

7. First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

8. Some important evolutionsalong the (short) « Navigating the Future » history • Encompassing all issues from « fundamental » to « applications » • Scientific questions and means to address them Eg : infrastructures, observatories, technologies • Taking onboard major achievements NoE, Integrated projects, ESFRI, maritime policy • Improving coherency between European and National plans • Identifying some expected scientific progress Among next challenges : better assessing the information requirements First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

9. Examples of thematic networks and programs • Coastal Science, policy and practice • European seafloor observatory network … • European Census of Marine Life • Hotspot of Ecosystems • Rapid climate change • Marine carbon source and sinks … All issues leading to long-terms observation needs Transformation of the scientific questions First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

10. Networking (The Role of Marine Sciences in Ocean Sustainability and Global ChangeOctober 8, Oceanario de Lisbo, Portugal) First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium) 10

11. Three tools for working together • Networking the efforts : a joint forum • A common information unit • Joint offices in Oostende Sharing strategic vision Facilitating communication Sharing experience Creating the conditions for integrated Science and Technology in Europe First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

12. Infrastructure First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

13. Research vessels • Vessels and their equipments • Benchmarking with us • Operation practices • Key investments needs • To be broadened • to operational vessels First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

14. From Mersea to My Ocean Mercator, Fr Topaz, No Foam, UK DMI, Dk MFS, It First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

15. OSTIA April 21 2008 MERSEA 1/12° April 21 2008 First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

16. Information as seen from an end-user • Reduce risks of operation Personal, environment, production, credibility • In a variety of operation steps Exploration, development, field operation, transport, terminal life Including accidental conditions • Designing constraints From the surface to the bottom For a life time of 20 years plus Including long term changes (eg climate) Conservatism of informations Cost-benefit analysis Reliability of services A variety of informations Accumulate know-how – return of experience Possible access to facilities – data acquisition First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)

17. Some conclusions • Information must be scientifically supported Creating European Operational Oceanography requires Marine European Research Area • Information needs must be defined by users Interlinking end-users and scientific developments needs to be enhanced • Information systems need infrastructures In situ operational infrastructures still need work • GMES core service is under construction Most informations are to be provided by down-stream services First Marine Board Forum15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium)