Marine knowledge 2020
Definition and scope

Marine Knowledge 2020 brings together marine data from different sources with the aim of:
- Helping industry, public authorities and researchers find the data and make more effective use of them to develop new products and services.
- Improving our understanding of how the seas behave.
Why EU-level action?
National data do not tell us all we need to know about the seas as a global system connected by shifting winds, seasonal currents and migrating species; analysis at European level is essential.
The integration of different national and local systems into a coherent whole has been driven by the EU. Its explicit powers in fields like fisheries, the environment, transport, research, enterprise and industry enable it to provide funding and legislate for marine knowledge 2020.
How does it work in practice?
Through the prototype websites of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNET), engineers and scientists can see what data are available for a given sea basin, and download both original observations and derived data products such as digital terrain models, sediment distributions and marine habitats.
More on marine data
Official documents
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GREEN PAPER: Marine Knowledge 2020 from seabed mapping to ocean forecasting
[2 MB] All available translations. (29.08.2012) - Interim Evaluation of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (29.08.2012)
- Marine knowledge 2020 (Commission communication - 2010)
- European marine observation and data network - impact assessment
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European marine observation and data network - executive summary
[41 KB] All available translations.
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Roadmap for a European marine observation and data network

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Marine data infrastructure - outcome of Public Consultation

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European marine observation and data network – background paper
(2006)
Go to the Maritime Forum for further reading about:
- Projects: ur-EMODNET
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Roadmap for European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)
[46 KB] All available translations. (March 2012) - Background information
- Workshop and working group documents
- Events
Related content
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News
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13/09/2012 -
Integrated Maritime Policy: further progress towards sustainable maritime development
The European Commission has adopted the second Progress report on the EU's 2007 Integrated Maritime Policy. By facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders, and by avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, the Integrated Maritime Policy has enhanced the sustainable development of the European maritime economy, while contributing to a better protection of the marine environment.
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29/08/2012 -
Seabed mapping: new opportunities for blue growth and jobs in seas and oceans
The oceans and seas that surround Europe offer new opportunities for growth and jobs to meet the Europe 2020 goals. To best tap this potential, we need to know more about what is happening under ...
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24/08/2012 -
Magazine: Fisheries and aquaculture in Europe no. 57
Fisheries: Europe’s first social agreement, European Maritime Day: Gothenburg explores blue growth, Marine knowledge: taking the next step, TACs & quotas 2013: focus on MSY, Seafood: the market for fish, molluscs and crustaceans.



