The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is leading a consultation on prioritising ocean observations, following a request from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Sustained ocean observations are vitally important in understanding what is happening to them, including the effects of climate change.
To ensure objectivity, impartiality, and to capture a broad spectrum of views from across the UK marine science community, the NOC will run an open consultation, coupled with a heavy reliance on documented evidence and best practice from the UK and across the international community. The consultation will consist of three mechanisms to gather data, evidence and opinion:
- Individual Consultation – open to all
- Best Practice from international strategies
- Ideas and Opinions from existing organisations and forums
Once all evidence and feedback are gathered, the NOC will pull together a small workshop of experts from the marine community to discuss the results of the consultation and identify the key priority observations. There is a real opportunity to bring the marine science community together with a collective prioritisation plan. The final report will be shared with stakeholders by NERC early in 2023.
The consultation opened on Friday 28 January at 11am with an introductory webinar led by NERC, and will close on 10 March 2022.