SeaDataNet II : Pan-European infrastructure for ocean and marine data management

Research vessels and submarines, moorings and drifting buoys, floats, gliders and aircraft, for example - observing sensors deployed on a multitude of supports are enabling Europe's scientists to keep tabs on the state of the seas. A broad range of physical, chemical, biological, geological and geophysical parameters are recorded, and the analysis of water and sediment samples delivers further data. A consortium involving national oceanographic data centres and research institutes from 35 countries is pursuing the ambitious task of streamlining the flow of this information. The EU supports under FP7 more than 70 networks of research infrastructures covering all scientific fields. The aim is to optimise the use of the facilities by providing support to transnational access and to develop joint research activities.