Making the European Ocean Observing System a reality: messages from EurOCEAN 2014

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EurOCEAN 2014 at CNR, Rome (credit: Marine Board)

A successful EurOCEAN 2014 Conference took place last week in Rome (7-9 October) where marine scientists from all over Europe gathered to talk about Blue Growth and how better and greater knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystems can support its sustainability.

EuroGOOS was represented by its Chair, Dr Erik Buch, who spoke about the concept of European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) during a session dedicated to our beloved late Secretary General Kostas Nittis who very much promoted the idea of EOOS and the concept of an  integrated, long-term and sustained system. European Marine Board Chair Jan Mees and Erik announced the launch of shared and coordinated efforts and actions towards realising EOOS in the very near future.

The EurOCEAN 2014 Conference delivered a declaration on achieving an ecosystem approach to the management of Europe’s marine resources as a fundamental requirement for sustainable Blue Growth, known as the Rome Declaration. More information can be found here.