2nd EMODnet-MSFD Coordination Meeting (27 February 2015, Brussels)

2nd EMODnet-MSFD Coordination Meeting

Date: 27 February 2015

Location: Brussels, DG MARE, Rue Joseph II 79/99 - MARE ROOM J99 05/86 DIR GEN MEETING ROOM

Attendance: upon invitation only

Aim: The aim of the meeting is to consider and discuss EMODnet progress and product development with relevance for Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and marine environmental monitoring and reporting. The meeting will have a specific focus on a range of new EMODnet Chemistry products which are currently under development. The meeting will also report on progress made in other portals such as EMODnet Biology and Human Activities (see www.emodnet.eu for full range of portals and data resources). 

Meeting Chair: David Connor (EC DG ENV)

Invited participants: Iain Shepherd (DG MARE), Trine Christiansen and Johnny Reker (EEA), David Connor (DG ENV), Guenter Hoermandinger (DG ENV), Neil Holdsworth (ICES), Manuel Nicolaus  (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, UK), Cecile Gozler (Developpement Durable, France), Eoin O’Grady (Marine Institute, Ireland), Alexander Schroeder (NLWKN-OL Niedersachsen, Germany), Giordano Giordi (ISPRA, Italy), Niels Kinneging (RWS, Netherlands), Debbie Hembury (DEFRA, UK), Vivi Fleming-Lehtinen (HELCOM), Tatjana Hema (MEDPOL), Halil Ibrahim Sur and Irina Makarenko (BSC) and Emily Corcoran (OSPAR),  Chris Moulton (OSPAR), Phil Weaver (EMODnet Steering Committee Chair), Simon Claus (EMODnet Biology), Alessandro Pititto (EMDOnet Human Activities), Alessandra Giorgetti, Marine Lipizer, Dick Schaap (EMODnet Chemistry), Jacques Polpulus (EMODnet Seabed Habitats)

Apologies: Hans-Christian Reimers, State Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas, Germany

Tentative Agenda

Start of the Meeting: 8:30

1. Welcome and introductions

2. Agreement on objectives and agenda of the meeting

3. EMODnet-MSFD status update

• Short recap on EMODnet goals and current state of play – Iain Shepherd (DG MARE)
• Short recap and updates on MSFD recent developments  – Meeting Chair David Connor
• Short round of comments by meeting participants on (i) expectations for the meeting and longer term interactions; and (ii) general observations, potential, issues and challenges with regards to making use of EMODnet for MSFD and environmental reporting purposes.
• Short discussion on how to streamline the interaction process between main EMODnet and MSFD actors.

4. Short update on relevant initiatives

• Action plan from the BALSAM project – Joni Kaitaranta and Neil Holdsworth (HELCOM & ICES) – 5’ [see meeting document]

• The European Marine Ecosystem Observatory (EMECO) Data Tool – Deborah Hembury (DEFRA, UK) – 10’

5. EMODnet Chemistry products and tools relevant for MSFD, environmental monitoring & reporting

• Chemistry progress update and demonstration of two new type of products: (i) gridded DIVA maps with 10 year sliding window (example focus on nutrients); (ii) time series plots. – Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry)

  10:30-10:45 Coffee break

• Feedback from MSFD actors from RSC and Member States on usefulness of these products in view of current practices (how are descriptors calculated now) and what is needed to make these EMODnet Chemistry products suitable for use? – Regional Sea Conventions and Member State experts

• Specific requirements for data and products covering contaminants?

• Discussion and conclusion – list of requirements

12:30-13:30 Lunch break

6. EMODnet Biodiversity data and products relevant for MSFD, environmental monitoring & reporting

• Update on EMODnet biology MSFD activities related to species and habitats

• Feedback from MSFD actors on current practices and what is needed to make EMODnet suitable for use? – max 10’ each Regional Sea Conventions and Member State experts

• Discussion and conclusion – list of requirements

14:.45-15:00 Coffee break

7. EMODnet Human Activities

• Update on EMODnet Human Activities portal available datasets potentially relevant for MSFD, environmental monitoring & reporting - what can EMODnet offer now and in the future?
• Questions from participants, discussion and conclusion

8. AOB

9. Wrap up and recap: actions and outline for follow up process – next meeting?

16:00 End of meeting