vi
forecast the likely evolution of the wor1d's climate over the coming century. There
has never been, therefore, a greater requirement than at present to be able to forecast the state ofthe sea and ocean, both over short, medium and long time scales.
Operational oceanography is one of the key sciences that address this vital need
for ocean forecasts. Operational oceanography can be seen as the systematic and
routine measurement ofthe seas, oceans and atmosphere, with the immediate interpretation of the data collected and the rapid interpretation and dissemination of the
forecast results. The observation and monitoring networks linked to operational
oceanography operate over all scales, from the local and regional, to basin-wide
such as for the Mediterranean and on to the global scale when climate change and
ocean circulation issues are being considered.
Operational oceanography is therefore a subject with a true European dimension
and the subject has been supported both in the previous Research Framework Programme (FP) through the Marine Science and Technology Programme (MAST),
and in the present FP as a part ofthe Key Action studying Sustainable Marine Ecosystems.
The projects supported by the European Union range from: pilot pre-operational
forecasting systems covering regional seas such as the Mediterranean, with the
Mediterranean Forecasting System Pilot Project (MFSPP); to projects on vessel
traffic safety using radar ocean sensing (EuroROSE); to those looking at preparing
analysis tools for the operational forecasting of nutrients in estuaries of European
rivers (PIONEER). This support has continued into the V FP with, amongst others,
projects being funded to develop satellite-based ocean forecasting systems (SOFT)
and to forecast and assess rough waves and their impact on marine structures
(MAXWAVE).
The expected results from these projects will facilitate safe, sustainable marine
activities in coastal, shelf and slope waters and also in the deep ocean. The benefits
of this research will contribute to the sustainable development of the many marine
activities carried out in European waters. The success of the Advanced Study
Course on Ocean Forecasting helps to ensure that the young scientists and technologists of today are trained and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow in this
exciting field of research.
AZan Edwards Elisabeth Lipiatou
SustainabZe Marine Ecosystems
European Commission
BrusseZs
forecast the likely evolution of the wor1d's climate over the coming century. There
has never been, therefore, a greater requirement than at present to be able to forecast the state ofthe sea and ocean, both over short, medium and long time scales.
Operational oceanography is one of the key sciences that address this vital need
for ocean forecasts. Operational oceanography can be seen as the systematic and
routine measurement ofthe seas, oceans and atmosphere, with the immediate interpretation of the data collected and the rapid interpretation and dissemination of the
forecast results. The observation and monitoring networks linked to operational
oceanography operate over all scales, from the local and regional, to basin-wide
such as for the Mediterranean and on to the global scale when climate change and
ocean circulation issues are being considered.
Operational oceanography is therefore a subject with a true European dimension
and the subject has been supported both in the previous Research Framework Programme (FP) through the Marine Science and Technology Programme (MAST),
and in the present FP as a part ofthe Key Action studying Sustainable Marine Ecosystems.
The projects supported by the European Union range from: pilot pre-operational
forecasting systems covering regional seas such as the Mediterranean, with the
Mediterranean Forecasting System Pilot Project (MFSPP); to projects on vessel
traffic safety using radar ocean sensing (EuroROSE); to those looking at preparing
analysis tools for the operational forecasting of nutrients in estuaries of European
rivers (PIONEER). This support has continued into the V FP with, amongst others,
projects being funded to develop satellite-based ocean forecasting systems (SOFT)
and to forecast and assess rough waves and their impact on marine structures
(MAXWAVE).
The expected results from these projects will facilitate safe, sustainable marine
activities in coastal, shelf and slope waters and also in the deep ocean. The benefits
of this research will contribute to the sustainable development of the many marine
activities carried out in European waters. The success of the Advanced Study
Course on Ocean Forecasting helps to ensure that the young scientists and technologists of today are trained and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow in this
exciting field of research.
AZan Edwards Elisabeth Lipiatou
SustainabZe Marine Ecosystems
European Commission
BrusseZs