Marine Observation and Monitoring towards an Ecosystem Approach

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding marine ecosystems is crucial for the sustainable management of the global ocean and its living and non-living resources. Ecosystem goods and services are underpinned by ecosystem functioning and therefore depend on ecosystem components and their interactions. In this context, the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) establishes a framework for community action in marine environmental policy. Based on a DPSIR (Driver Pressure State Impact Response) framework, the goal of the MSFD is progress towards a Good Ecological Status (GES) by 2020. The GES assessment depends on eleven descriptors (from biodiversity to noise, including eutrophication, contaminants, etc.) that have a set of criteria and indicators based on networks of observations and monitoring programs. Unfortunately, despite some consensus on conventional low-resolution observations and the increasing implementation of new technology and IT developments for high spatial and temporal resolution observations, most of the observation and monitoring programs are too fragmented and lack harmonized and standardized procedures. Moreover, data integration and aggregation rules need to be further developed, and some indicators/criteria need to be improved or strengthened.

Considering the need to implement sound marine observation and monitoring strategies to acquire, integrate, and process high-quality data (physical, biogeochemical, and biological), and in support of increasing knowledge for fulfilling this ecosystem approach goal, the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is announcing a Special Issue on the topic entitled “Marine Observation and Monitoring: Towards an Ecosystem Approach” to appear in 2020.

Dr. Alain Lefebvre
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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