First Marine Board Forum – 15 May Oostende Marine Data Challenges: from Observation to Information Setting the Scene Kosats Nittis –MedGOOS

First Marine Board Forum First Marine Board Forum 15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium) Setting the Scene (1) Purpose of Forum: ”Enhance the interface between marine data scientists and policy makers and industry” 1- Policy and industry decisions must be informed by sound information; 2- Bring scientists into the policy and industry interface 3- Transform their results into information format of relevance and use to policy makers and industry; 4- Opportunity for policy makers and industry to inform scientists of their questions they need addressed: information needs identified by the users;

First Marine Board Forum First Marine Board Forum 15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium) Setting the scene (2) Purpose of Forum: “Enhance the interface between marine data scientists and policy makers and industry” 5- Improve the quantity, quality and accessibility of marine information available for decision making; 6- Requires sound data, understanding and advice which is transparent and accessible; 7- Resulting in new economic opportunities in the marine information sector in Europe;

First Marine Board Forum First Marine Board Forum 15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium) Setting the Scene (3) Marine Data Challenges: from observation to Information Remarkable educational programme "Planeet Zee" (Planet Ocean): 1- the seven major themes for this project are derived from the Marine Board ESF position paper 'Navigating the Future III' 2- Developed in cooperation with some 100 marine scientists by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), SHE Consultancy, DAB Fleet and the creative bureau Bal Gehakt.

First Marine Board Forum First Marine Board Forum 15 May 2008 – Oostende (Belgium) Setting the Scene (3) Marine Data Challenges: from observation to Information Remarkable educational programme "Planeet Zee" (Planet Ocean): 3 - Ideal format to be used by teachers in biology, physics, chemistry and geography (all levels for students years old). And for marine scientists, it is probably a good way to have their know-how translated to a young public within a school context. an example of how the activities of the Marine Board can be brought to a wider audience; 4- Invite Forum participants to go and visit the demonstration of 'Planeet Zee' in the Exhibition hall of UNESCO.