Towards a European marine ecosystem observatory (EMECO)

In order to detect environmental change and to identify its causes we require data spanning an extraordinary range of spatial and temporal scales that cannot be obtained without a long-term in-situ presence in the oceans. EMECO aims to provide the infrastructure to support and make sustained measurements over decades at coastal and regional scales to quantify temporal variability in physical, chemical and biological properties in the ocean.

EMECO time-series data will complement other components of an environmental change observing system including satellite missions and ship-of-opportunity observing programmes (e.g. Ferry-Box) together with long-term observations of sensitive indicators of environmental change (e.g. Continuous Plankton Recorder). The observatory will contribute towards improved understanding of coastal ocean dynamics where the greatest threats to ecosystem integrity arise through fishing, pollution and eutrophication. Advancing understanding of coastal processes and setting them into a regional perspective in order to manage resources better, mitigate risks and explore new phenomena is challenging. The environmental control processes occur over a wide range of space and time and cannot be simultaneously studied with ship-based platforms alone. This initiative will build on several long-term (>5 year) in situ observing networks (SmartBuoy, Wavenet, Ferry Box) and build on new initiatives. It will promote synergy between current and future observing and modelling programmes in order to gain maximum benefit for all stakeholders.

Examples of the key components of EMECO will be described followed by examples of case studies to illustrate the potential outcomes in terms of detecting environmental change and also in terms of the opportunities for synergy between programmes leading to improved understanding of North Sea system function.