sid 5 research project final report -...

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SID 5 Research Project Final Report

�� Note

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Project identification

1. Defra Project code ME5303/C3686

2. Project title

The EMECO Western Shelf Observatory

3. Contractor organisation(s)

Cefas Pakefield Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0HT

54. Total Defra project costs £ 165,636

(agreed fixed price)

5. Project: start date ................ Sept 2009

end date ................. March 2011

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6. It is Defra’s intention to publish this form.

Please confirm your agreement to do so. ................................................................................... YES NO

(a) When preparing SID 5s contractors should bear in mind that Defra intends that they be made public. They should be written in a clear and concise manner and represent a full account of the research project which someone not closely associated with the project can follow.

Defra recognises that in a small minority of cases there may be information, such as intellectual property or commercially confidential data, used in or generated by the research project, which should not be disclosed. In these cases, such information should be detailed in a separate annex (not to be published) so that the SID 5 can be placed in the public domain. Where it is impossible to complete the Final Report without including references to any sensitive or confidential data, the information should be included and section (b) completed. NB: only in exceptional circumstances will Defra expect contractors to give a "No" answer.

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Executive Summary

7. The executive summary must not exceed 2 sides in total of A4 and should be understandable to the intelligent non-scientist. It should cover the main objectives, methods and findings of the research, together with any other significant events and options for new work.

The overall aim of this work was to bring together partners to form a regional scale observational network: the ‘Western Shelf Observatory’ (WSO) as part of the European Marine Ecosystem Observatory (EMECO) with a regional focus on Western Shelf waters of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Its purpose is to facilitate the long-term surveillance of key ecological, chemical and physical variables in order to provide new and improved information on environmental status and oceanic forcing to underpin better evidence in support of UK policy needs. The two main objectives were to create and launch the observatory and the second to sustain and extend the scope of the observatory. Work was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 brought together partners from the western shelf region that included those funded by NERC to conduct long term research, and partners from the main UK marine agencies and from the Irish Marine Institute. The partnership agreed that by working together they could establish a Western Shelf Observatory with the vision of “an integrated programme of sustained marine observing systems that will improve knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystems and the connectivity between our shelf seas and the Atlantic Ocean. It will strengthen the evidence base for environmental assessments, underpin future research, increase uptake of marine data and information and address gaps in current marine monitoring, modelling and research." The partners agreed to a number of steps towards the creation of the WSO including the launch of a web site (www.westernshelfobservatory.org), and agreeing to improve interoperability between selected observational programmes. This was done through various activities but primarily through extending the spatial extent of data sets already held in the EMECO datatools (www.emecodata.net) to include the western shelf domain. These data included satellite derived chlorophyll and temperature, ICES oceanographic data from research vessels, SmartBuoy data for a new site at the Celtic Deep, wave and temperature data from the WaveNet network and Ferrybox data. In order to improve interoperability between these observational programmes data were converted into a common ‘interoperable’ format, stored in a common database and integrated prior to creation of specific information types (assessment maps, charts) used to support formal environmental assessments. The process was carried out using an application EMECO datatools developed as part of the related EMECO (European Marine Ecosystem Observatory) programme.

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In phase 2, to sustain and extend the scope of the observatory, develop a shared vision and seek additional funding a number of activities were carried out. These included raising the profile of the WSO through numerous presentations in a range of different fora including Defra evidence groups (HBDSEG, OPEG), European Commission expert group meetings (e.g. EMODNET Marine Data Expert Group), formal invited seminars (PML, SAMS) and meetings (NERC Workshop on UK Marine Observations). The partnership was extended to include Marine Scotland (Aberdeen) and SAMS and the French group (IFREMER) indicated an interest in joining the observatory. To further extend the scope of the WSO an application has been made by Cefas and the University of East Anglia for accreditation of its activities by the Living With Environmental Change initiative (LWEC www.lwec.org.uk) under the title of “UK Marine Ecosystem Observatory (UMECO)”. UMECO joins the UK components of the WSO and the European Marine Ecosystem Observatory (EMECO), which is focused on the North Sea and English Channel (www.emecogroup.org). To sustain the observatory infrastructure a successful proposal has been submitted to the European Commission. The Joint Environmental Research Infrastructure for Coastal Observations (JERICO) is a European funded 4 year project for coordination of coastal observatories on a pan-European scale. EMECO and the Western Shelf Observatory will form part of the pan European observatory infrastructure. A proposal has been submitted to Defra to extend the scope of the EMECO datatools and sustain the observatory infrastructure. In particular, the new work proposed would develop the datatools as the potential assessment and reporting system for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The observatory infrastructure plays a key role in providing free access to a wide range of marine data to underpin the evidence base for future environmental assessments. There is wider interest in the WSO and related EMECO initiative. The European Commission is considering the establishment of European Integrated Ocean Observing System specifically to better meet societal needs and the requirements of the MSFD. The Commission is considering the extent to which EMECO and the Western Shelf Observatory could form the template for such a pan European approach. Through this work Defra has supported the development of a unique vision of why and how the research council and government funded agencies can work together to mutual benefit that results in the creation of better evidence and new knowledge. The Western Shelf Observatory has demonstrated the willingness of the wider UK (and international) marine science community to work together by forming informal partnerships at regional scales. These partnerships, the observatory infrastructure and the assessment tools are an important future efficient delivery mechanism for the data and evidence required to support assessments of environmental status.

Project Report to Defra

8. As a guide this report should be no longer than 20 sides of A4. This report is to provide Defra with details of the outputs of the research project for internal purposes; to meet the terms of the contract; and to allow Defra to publish details of the outputs to meet Environmental Information Regulation or Freedom of Information obligations. This short report to Defra does not preclude contractors from also seeking to publish a full, formal scientific report/paper in an appropriate scientific or other journal/publication. Indeed, Defra actively encourages such publications as part of the contract terms. The report to Defra should include:

�� The scientific objectives as set out in the contract;

�� The extent to which the objectives set out in the contract have been met;

�� Details of methods used and the results obtained, including statistical analysis (if appropriate);

�� A discussion of the results and their reliability;

�� The main implications of the findings;

�� Possible future work; and

�� Any action resulting from the research (e.g. IP, Knowledge Transfer).

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AIM The overall aim was to bring together partners to form a regional scale observational network: the ‘Western Shelf Observatory’ (WSO) as part of the European Marine Ecosystem Observatory (EMECO) with a regional focus on Western Shelf waters of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Its purpose is to facilitate the long-term surveillance of key ecological, chemical and physical variables in order to provide new and improved information on environmental status and oceanic forcing to underpin better evidence in support of UK policy needs. OBJECTIVES

Phase 1 - Formation and launch of the Observatory Specific objectives were: 1. To establish a WSO; a network of routine measurements of biological, chemical and physical

variables encompassing instrumented moorings with automated water samplers, research vessel based observations and ships of opportunity (ferries).

2. To improve coordination and efficiency of five (Cefas, AFBI, POL, MI, SOC) operational programmes including promoting interoperability of sustained observations in the observatory between partners.

3. To generate via web based (EMECO) tools integrated information products such as maps of surface chlorophyll and winter nutrient concentrations and as agreed with Defra and partners related the needs of OSPAR and the anticipated needs of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (EU 2008)

Phase 2 - Sustaining and extending the scope of the observatory Specific objectives were: 4. To develop a shared vision and strategy between UK funders of sustained observations. 5. To identify opportunities for broadening the partnership and European funding opportunities. This report addresses the above scientific objectives, set out as milestones in the contract. For each milestone the following points are summarised, where applicable:

• Explanation of methods;

• Presentation of the results;

• Discussion of the extent to which the milestone objectives were met;

• Implications of the findings;

• Future work;

• .................................................................................................................................................................................esulting action from the research

Milestones 1.1 & 1.3 Consortium formed and informal agreements in place, and Launch of new initiative The WSO launch meeting was held at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, Northern Ireland on 24–25th June 2010. Twenty delegates were present, representing marine institutes and organisations from across the UK and Ireland. The purpose was to refine its vision and strategy, its aims and objectives in the wider UK, Irish and European marine environmental policy context and to establish the partnership of the new observatory. Full minutes of the meeting can be found at: www.westernshelfobservatory.org. A unique aspect of the meeting was that for the first time it brought together the NERC sustained observing programme (SAMS, NOC, PML, SAHFOS) community in this region with the UK Government fisheries organisations (Cefas, AFBI, Marine Scotland), plus the Irish equivalent (Mar. Institute, Galway). The meeting was successfully concluded with agreement amongst participants to establish and launch the WSO with a shared vision of its scope and purpose. The vision statement was agreed as, "An integrated programme of sustained marine observing systems that will improve knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystems and the connectivity between our shelf seas and the Atlantic Ocean. It will strengthen the evidence base for environmental assessments, underpin future research, increase uptake of marine data and information and address gaps in current marine monitoring, modelling and research." The spatial domain of the WSO was defined as "The Western UK and Irish shelf and its adjacent sea areas and catchments". All of the partners agreed that the WSO will provide a framework for better coordination of monitoring, modelling and research that will ultimately strengthen the UK's and Ireland's

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ability to meet current and future policy requirements, particularly those of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. There are currently nine partners operating observing systems in the WSO domain. These are AFBI, Cefas, Bangor University School of Ocean Science, Marine Institute, Marine Scotland, NOC (Southampton and Liverpool), PML, SAHFOS and SAMS. A full review of partner observing systems is provided in the ‘Milestone 2.1 E5303/C3686 Cefas Interoperability Report’. Milestone 1.2 Implementation of the specification for WSO website A WSO website was created (www.westernshelfobservatory.org) (Figure 1). This meets all of the specifications as agreed by the consortium. The website also hosts an interactive mapping room. “The EMECO (European Marine Ecosystem Observatory) Western Shelf Observatory Mapping Room” is an interactive map of marine ecosystem observing systems operating in the Western Shelf domain. The interactive map legend enables users to turn layers on and off to build up a complete or partial map of the observing systems operating on the western UK and Irish shelf and its adjacent sea areas and catchments.

Figure 1: The home page of the WSO website www.westernshelfobservatory.org

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Milestone 2.1 Report on feasibility of increasing interoperability between observatory partners The ‘Milestone 2.1 E5303/C3686 Cefas Interoperability Report’ provides a detailed report on the feasibility of increasing interoperability between partners. Interoperability is regarded as having some or all of the following properties:

• Ability of diverse systems and organisations to work together (inter-operate);

• Exchange information between organisations and observing systems and use the information that has been exchanged;

• Employ common communication protocols using standards (e.g. XML) to provide syntactic interoperability between observing systems at the multi-platform and multi-parameter level;

• Ability to automatically interpret the information exchanged meaningfully and accurately in order to produce useful results as defined by the end users.

Figure 2: Monitoring systems operated by the WSO partners and summary of parameters measured and spatial and temporal coverage. High frequency refers to automated monitoring systems recording data at 0.5–2 hourly intervals. Ecosystem Mooring refers to instrumented moorings measuring physical and

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biogeochemical parameters (e.g. temperature, salinity, oxygen, nutrients and chlorophyll) In order to maximise the synergy between WSO partners a review of the observing systems was carried out to establish current levels of interoperability. The review focussed on partner observing systems, quality assurance processes and data storage and dissemination. The review confirmed that there are many partners operating a diverse range of monitoring systems and platforms, sampling at varying spatial and temporal scales, in the Western Shelf domain (Figure 2), but that there is no common language. The results of the review also showed that; quality assurance varies between systems, all partners have the ability to disseminate data and information and the principle uses for WSO data are environmental assessments, environmental forecasts, model validation and research. The partners agreed that extending the EMECO Datatool (EDT, www.emecogroup.org) to the WSO domain would increase interoperability between organisations and observing systems. It achieves this retrospectively by converting partner data into a common data format – the EMECO marine XML (Extensible Markup Language) schema. XML is a self describing data and is widely used as a machine-readable data inter-change format. The EDT is a software application using web technologies that provides rapid integration, visualisation and assessment of multi-platform, multi-parameter and multi-organisation data. The partners agreed a plan for increasing interoperability with the WSO framework by identifying types and sources of data already in the EDT (e.g. ICES research vessel and SmartBuoy data) that could be extended to the Western Shelf domain and by prioritising five new datasets to import into the tool. Milestone 3.1 List of potential integrated information products The EDT currently enables users to integrate marine data from multiple sources (e.g. platforms, agencies, countries) and different parameters (physical, chemical and biological), to create a range of different information types. Parameters currently available are temperature, salinity, nutrients (nitrates, ammonium, TOxN), oxygen concentration, chlorophyll, fluorescence, wave parameters, numbers of benthic individuals and species diversity indices. Platforms currently include Cefas SmartBuoys, research vessels, wave rider buoys and satellites. Users select the type of outputs they want to generate: assessment maps, time series charts, KML for display in Google Earth, or data in CSV or XML formats averaged by day, week, month or year (Charting Progress 2: Defra 2010). The assessment maps provide the user with an option to overlay data onto spatially defined marine areas according to different boundary criteria including; OSPAR North Sea and Charting Progress 2 areas and an option for display in a 1-degree square coarse grid. Figures 1–4 are examples of four types of outputs from the EDT. These illustrate some of the combinations of parameters and area boundaries available, including: surface chlorophyll in Charting Progress 2 areas (Figure 3); nutrients in North Sea OSPAR areas (Figure 4); temperature for the 1-degree coarse grid (Figure 5); and a line chart of chlorophyll for the gridded area (Figure 6).

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Figure 3: Map of mean surface chlorophyll in Charting Progress 2 regions, for the OSPAR eutrophication assessment period 2001–2005. Data sources: GETM and POLCOM models, research vessels, satellite and SmartBuoy.

Figure 4: Map of mean nutrient concentrations (nitrate and TOxN) in North Sea OSPAR regions, for the OSPAR eutrophication assessment period 2001–2005. Data sources: GETM and POLCOM models, research vessels and SmartBuoy.

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Figure 5: Map of mean surface temperature in a 1-degree square coarse grid, for the period 2009–2010. Data sources: GETM and POLCOM models, research vessels, satellite, SmartBuoy and WaveNet.

Figure 6: Line chart of mean monthly chlorophyll in the entire 1-degree square coarse grid area, for 2007. Data sources: research vessels, satellite and SmartBuoy. During this project the data sources available and their spatial coverage in the EDT were extended to cover the WSO domain. The data available for products in the Western UK regions were increased by extending existing datasets and importing new data provided by the WSO partners. The following datasets were extended to cover the WSO domain:

• MODIS chlorophyll satellite data provided by Ifremer

• MODIS temperature data provided by MyOcean (an EU funded Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme)

• ICES oceanographic data (temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, TOxN, ammonium, nitrate and oxygen concentration)

• AFBI/Cefas Celtic Deep SmartBuoy (chlorophyll, TOxN, temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration, fluorescence)

• Cefas WaveNet (temperature and wave parameters)

• FerryBox data from the Pride of Bilbao ferry, NOC Southampton

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The following datasets were prioritised as new data to be added to the EDT, provided by the WSO partners:

• NOC UK to Spain FerryBox data (chlorophyll, temperature, salinity and nutrients)

• NOC Irish Sea Observatory data from UK to Ireland FerryBox, moorings and surveys (chlorophyll, temperature, salinity, nutrients)

• AFBI research vessel and buoy data (chlorophyll, temperature, salinity, nutrients)

• PML Western Channel Observatory buoy data (chlorophyll, temperature, salinity, nutrients)

• SAMS Tiree passage buoy data (temperature and salinity) The new data increase interoperability (see ‘Milestone 2.1 E5303/C3686 Cefas Interoperability Report’) and improve the data availability and quality of information available for subsequent environmental assessments in the Western Shelf domain. A fine scale grid (0.1-degree squared) for the WSO added to the EDT provides additional capability, including the ability to visualise the new data in higher spatial resolution. Based on these changes, new information is available for the WSO as assessment maps, time series charts, KML (for visualisation in Google Earth and other GIS applications) and data (XML and CSV) for Charting Progress 2 regions 4-8 and 1-degree and 0.1-degree square grids for the western UK and Irish shelf seas. Milestone 3.2 Datatool extended and new data sources available for integration Several data sets were listed under Milestone 3.1 as potential sources of new data. The following are the data that are currently being imported in the EDT, modified slightly from those originally prioritised:

• National Oceanography Centre (NOC) FerryBox data. The FerryBox fitted on the P&O Pride of Bilbao in April 2002 has transmitted data to NOC using the Orbcomm satellite system. In 2002 the sensors for measuring water temperature, salinity, and fluorescence were installed. In 2005 extra sensors measuring turbidity, the concentration of dissolved oxygen and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were fitted along with sensors monitoring the movement of the ship. The Pride of Bilbao ceased operation toward the end of 2010. EMECO is working with the NOC to import the full data set from 2002 to 2010 into the EDT as part of their extension into the Western Shelf domain.

• WinCPR data. This is a gridded database of plankton abundance in the North Sea compiled from monthly sampling by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey. The available data cover the years 1948 to 2001 (representing 54 years of month-by-month data) and contain interpolated statistics for 112 planktonic organisms or indices (both zooplankton and phytoplankton), as well as a new index for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

• Additional SmartBuoy information including data from moorings at the Dowsing, Oyster Ground, Liverpool Bay and the Celtic Deep.

• ICES oceanographic data have been extended from the North Sea domain to also cover the Western Shelf domain.

Milestone 3.3 Hosting of website and maintenance – years 1 and 2 The EMECO website (http://www.emecogroup.org/) is hosted at Cefas. The EDT can be accessed from this site. The website is maintained and updated on a regular basis to ensure it maximises the visibility of the observatory, the activities undertaken under the auspices of the WSO and to ensure web links are kept up to date (including those to partners) and other relevant initiatives. Milestone 3.4 To progress a paper to publication Celtic Seas winter nutrients Work to progress to publication a paper on Celtic Seas winter nutrients using the Western Shelf Observatory partners is underway, with a view to submitting a paper in a peer-reviewed journal in 2011. A paper has been prepared on the EDT and the Western Shelf Observatory. This was submitted to Underwater Technology, special edition of Oceanology International 2010, on 16

th March 2011:

Mills DK, Keeble K, Foden J, Forster R, Rees J, Keeble S, Malcolm S (submitted) “EMECO Datatool: A regional scale data integration and assessment system for marine environmental policy needs”. Appendix I. Milestone 4.1 Gap analysis report

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Introduction The purpose of this section of the final report is to provide a gap analysis of the Western Shelf Observatory primarily from the perspective of policy requirements and in particular of the MSFD. It will take into account current and anticipated future status of monitoring and sustained observing programmes. Work being carried out elsewhere, for example, through the Defra UKMMAS evidence groups and Defra funded work on strategic support for the implementation of the MSFD, still needs to be completed before a full gap analysis can be undertaken. This report takes a high level view of the requirements for an effective monitoring programme in relation to policy need. It provides a starting point for a future review of UK monitoring focussed on the western shelf region. As policy requirements are clarified it will be important to have a clear view of current status and capability of observing systems, as well as potential capability, in preparation for realignment and any changes required in monitoring to meet these needs.

Background Prior to the funding and launch of the WSO a workshop on a Deep Water Observatory was held that identified a number of potential science questions. Subsequently, a NERC workshop was held in November 2010 on Delivering and Using UK Marine Ecosystem Observations. It was contended that UK observations were not fit for purpose and that the UK observing community (research and monitoring) should ‘start with a clean sheet of paper’, identify the questions and design the observing programmes to answer those questions. The outcome from the workshop was inconclusive with a strong view from those with responsibility for statutory monitoring programmes that policy driven observations were indeed fit for purpose. However, this did not preclude future changes reflecting emerging requirements of the MSFD and other pressures such as budget cuts. Agreement in the community about the major science questions has yet to be reached. Consequently, this report focuses on the policy rather that science driven needs, although it should be recognised that the WSO partner observations are able to address a range of science questions.

Partner programmes One of the first steps taken in the WSO was to identify the partner observing programmes relevant to the observatory. Figure 2 provides an overview of the monitoring and sustained observations carried out by the partners. The next section of the report is a review of the relative strengths of the different monitoring strategies used by the partners. A description of all marine observations carried out in the western shelf domain including those not carried out by WSO partners is available through the UKDMOS (UK Directory of Marine Observing Systems) website (www.ukdmos.org).

Spatial observations (i) Research Vessels Research vessels can potentially provide the most diverse and comprehensive suite of measurements of the marine ecosystem. These include repeated depth-resolved sections, transects and process studies ranging from physics to fish and seabirds. In general, research vessels provide good spatial coverage but low temporal resolution and, for example, in the WSO surveys range from 9 times per year (Liverpool Bay – Prince Madog) to quarterly (Irish and Celtic Seas – R.V. Corystes see Figure 2). Observations obtained from research vessels already provide an important source of data for a wide range of information needed in environmental assessments. They have the potential to provide data for all of the GES descriptors with the possible exception of descriptor 11, energy (Table 2). (ii) Continuous Plankton Recorder The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) surveys provide relatively high frequency (monthly) observations with good spatial coverage along specific routes. Currently, the CPR provides measures of the abundance and distribution of meso-zoooplankton and larger phytoplankton. Observations are typically obtained at 5 – 10 m depth in water depths generally greater than 10m. This means near shore CPR measurements are usually not available as the CPR is recovered by the vessel to avoid hitting the seabed. Observations of plankton from the CPR have previously been used for environmental assessments (e.g. Charting Progress 2), although they have played a limited role to date in formal UK assessments of eutrophication. A standard suite of CPR observations have the potential to contribute data for determination of GES for descriptors on Biodiversity (1), Alien species (2), Food web integrity (4), Eutrophication, (5) and Marine litter (10). Table 2: Platforms operating in the Western Shelf Observatory domain and parameters or parameter type

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measured. O = operational, meaning that the measurement of that specific parameter or variables related to a more general parameter type are already carried out as part of routine monitoring programmes. F = measurements are feasible using established technology but not currently done routinely. P = the potential of a platform to provide a measurement, with further development.

(iii) FerryBox FerryBox observations carried out by commercial (or survey) vessels provide observations along defined routes, sometimes at relatively high frequencies (days), typically measuring physical and biogeochemical parameters using automated systems. They provide good spatial coverage and, dependant on the specific route and ferry used, potentially good temporal resolution. The FerryBox typically uses sea water collected for engine cooling from a fixed intake on the ship beneath the surface and is regarded as a surface sampler. Most FerryBox observations are obtained using automated systems that do not require technical support at sea. However, an ideal FerryBox route has one port of call close to the operator’s home base to allow easy and cost-effective access for servicing instrumentation. FerryBox observations have not been widely used in UK policy driven environmental assessments. The typical suite of FerryBox observations could contribute data for assessment of GES for descriptors on eutrophication (5) and hydrography (7). (iv) Moorings and bottom landers Moorings and bottom landers are platforms that provide fixed point observations and instruments on a mooring, which can be secured at 1 or more depths. a. Meteorological and wave buoys

The Western Shelf Observatory partners operate a number of wave and weather buoys that provide high frequency measurements related to the needs of flood defence, coastal erosion, validation of meteorological models and other operational purposes. Data are provided in real-time, typically transmitted using satellite telemetry. Buoys provide low spatial but high temporal resolution measurements. The WSO incorporates Met Buoys operated by the Marine Institute (Galway) and wave buoys that form part of the UK WaveNet programme. Such observations are driven by operational requirements for weather forecasting or flood protection rather than to meet environmental policy need. Met and wave buoys often carry physical sensors that can provide data relevant to the hydrography descriptor 7 of the MSFD. b. Multi-disciplinary buoys and bottom landers

Two fully equipped SmartBuoys are deployed within the WSO domain together with a similar system deployed by AFBI in the north eastern Irish Sea. The Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP) mooring provides similar measurements off the shelf. These systems (ecosystem buoys) measure physical, chemical, biological and ecosystem variables at 1 or more depths within the water column. National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Liverpool deploy bottom landers in Liverpool Bay at the same location as one of the SmartBuoys, which measures primarily physical parameters (e.g. temperature, salinity, current speed and direction) at or just above the seabed.

Parameter Platform

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R.V. O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

Satellite O P F O O O O

SmartBuoys O O O O O O O O F

Wave and Met Buoys

O F O F F F F F F F

FerryBox

O O O O O O O

CPR

F F F F P F O O O

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SmartBuoy was specifically developed to improve the assessment of eutrophication and has improved the evidence base for the assessments of eutrophication. Typical configurations of ecosystem buoys, in terms of instrument payload, would enable them to potentially contribute data relevant to assessment of GES for descriptors on biodiversity (1), food webs (4) eutrophication (5) and hydrography (7). (v) Remote sensing Remote sensing includes space (satellites), airborne and land based observations using ‘remote’ techniques i.e. not in situ. For the WSO satellites are the primary means of remote sensing although NOC Liverpool operates HF radar measurements of surface currents, waves and winds. Satellites also provide sea surface temperature, suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll. Satellites can contribute data relevant to assessment of GES for descriptors on eutrophication (5) and hydrography (7).

Other potential partners and a mechanism of engagement Since the start of this project the Western Shelf Observatory partnership has been successfully extended to include Marine Scotland, University of Bangor, and the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences (SAMS). These partners bring a number of datasets and monitoring programs to the observatory, including the Ellett Line, the Tiree Passage Buoy, the Faroe-Shetland Survey and a number of research surveys operating in the region (Figure 2). The Western Shelf Observatory partnership has also engaged with the French marine institute, Roscoff by inviting them to complete the Interoperability Questionnaire (see ‘Milestone 2.1 E5303/C3686 Cefas Interoperability Report’). The French institute, IFREMER have expressed an interest in engaging with the Western Shelf Observatory via EMECO and the EuroGOOS IBI-ROOS consortium. IFREMER and ROSCOFF are currently installing 2 FerryBoxes on Brittany Ferries that operate regular routes across the English Channel and from Portsmouth to Santander. These systems would be of great interest to the Western Shelf Observatory and potentially fill the gap left by the Portsmouth to Bilbao FerryBox system, which ceased operation in September 2010 when P&O gave up the route. NOC are currently exploring a range of options for the FerryBox including installing the system on a research vessel. Other plans to strengthen the partnership include closer engagement of EMECO with IBI-ROOS (The Iberian Regional Operational Observing System) and the Environment Agency for Ireland and UK. Cefas will sign the IBI-ROOS MoU in order to strengthen the relationship and facilitate wider future engagement between IBI-ROOS and the Western Shelf Observatory. Other potential partners include The Marine Conservation Society. For example they hold a time series of beach litter and marine mammal observations within the WSO domain and relevant to policy requirements.

Anticipated future changes to the WSO observing systems There is a rapidly changing landscape with regard to the partner observing systems of the WSO. During the writing of this report NERC has announced its intention to stop funding the Irish Sea Observatory. Work will be carried out to secure its legacy in terms of quality assuring previously collected data and making it available for re-use. There may be sufficient funding to enable NOC Liverpool to continue with measurements from a bottom lander deployed alongside the Cefas SmartBuoy in Liverpool Bay. Contingency plans are being developed rapidly. During the life of the WSO to date the NOC FerryBox route between Portsmouth and Bilbao has ended but new plans are emerging for other FerryBox routes in the Channel and between the Channel and Spain. A review is planned of the Defra-funded eutrophication monitoring programme for England and Wales. A new risk based approach is required taking into account the prior outcomes to assessment of eutrophication under the OSPAR Comprehensive Procedure. The outcome of the review is uncertain but a reduction in overall cost is anticipated that is likely to be associated with reduced monitoring effort.

Filling the gaps A clear understanding of requirements is required in order to identify gaps and then to develop and implement a strategy to address them. With regard to the MSFD, as previously noted the detailed requirements are not yet known. However, at a generic level some analysis is possible. As well as gaps in terms of the needs for measurements of specific variables required directly for use as indicators (or their derivation) and supporting environmental information, the spatial and temporal resolution of any

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monitoring programme is of critical importance. Sampling resolution will determine the size of the data set for assessment and have a major influence on the level of confidence. The level of confidence in the assessment of specific indicators will help to determine the robustness of the outcome to an overall assessment for a specific descriptor or group of descriptors. One option for identifying and filling gaps is to consider the way in which existing observing systems may be adjusted to meet future needs. Some examples are given below of the way in which sampling platform capability may be extended.

Adding subsurface environmental sensors to a Met Buoy In a related project Defra is funding the incorporation of SmartBuoy sensors on an Irish (Marine Institute) Met buoy. This provides an example of how to make opportunistic use of available sampling platforms. It is also an example of the way in which the collaboration fostered within the WSO creates the opportunity for cost sharing, so reducing the cost for an individual funder. In this example the collaboration is international; between Irish and UK government departments. There are many meteorological and wave buoys deployed in the western shelf domain that have the potential to carry additional sensors. The main problem with such an approach is that as the complexity of the buoy configuration is increased it may require more effort to deploy and service the additional instruments, which in turn increases costs.

Extending the CPR capability Defra has also recently funded the development of a water sampler for use on a CPR. This successful programme provides the CPR with the means of making quantitative measurements of the smaller phytoplankton, for the first time. In particular, it provides measurements of phytoplankton biomass, abundance and distribution. The water sampler can also provide information on nutrient concentration and, in turbid waters, on SPM. By adding environmental sensors, the CPR becomes an even more effective means of sampling the plankton and the environmental control variables. As well as being towed on ships of opportunity, the added capability makes it attractive as a sampling strategy that can be adopted by research vessels, whilst they are underway. Exploring the full potential water sampler-equipped CPR, carrying an array of environmental sensors, is the subject of a final report to Defra submitted separately. Trials conducted to date show that it is feasible to operate an augmented CPR in the same manner as a standard CPR. Additional resources would be required to cover the costs associated with hardware, servicing the instruments and processing data and analysis of samples. However, using an existing and established operational programme provides an efficient way of increasing the effectiveness of monitoring.

Miscellaneous examples As well as adding established sensors to existing platforms there are opportunities to operationalise new sensors such as variable fluorescence fluorometers, providing measurements related to phytoplankton photosynthesis and growth, optical sensors providing information on floristic composition (e.g. multi-channel fluorometers) or providing analysis of particle size spectrum. Automatically collected water samples can be analysed in the laboratory using a range of methods, for example, molecular techniques (genetic fingerprinting). Future developments include ‘lab on a chip’ and miniature flow cytometers. This list is not exhaustive but meant to convey that other technology driven opportunities will arise that may play a role in filling future gaps.

Summary This gap analysis report provides a useful starting point for any steps to develop and implement a future monitoring programme for assessing GES. Any future programme will build on what is already in place and this report provides an overview of current observing capability in terms of monitoring strategies, spatial coverage, parameters measured now and also what can be achieved by adding to current capability. A review of each of the partner observing programmes is carried out as part of Milestone 2.1. Taken together, the information available provides a good basis to develop the required future monitoring programme. This report also identifies ways to build the infrastructure through engaging new partners or engaging with other initiatives. Finally, it provides examples of how to increase the effectiveness of successful operational monitoring strategies through the addition of new measurement capability. Milestones 4.2, 4.3 & 5.2 Agreed and shared plan to sustain the WSO, and plan for seeking

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European funding and recognition There are 3 main and related activities that have been undertaken to meet the requirements of these Milestones.

1. Development and accreditation of a UK Marine Ecosystem Observatory An application has been made by Cefas and the University of East Anglia for accreditation of research activities by Living With Environmental Change (LWEC www.lwec.org.uk) under the title of “UK Marine Ecosystem Observatory (UMECO)”. UMECO joins the UK domains of the WSO and the European Marine Ecosystem Observatory (EMECO, which is focused on the North Sea and English Channel). The specific LWEC objectives to which UMECO relate are:

• To predict the impacts of climate change and to promote sustainable solutions through mitigation and adaptation

• To manage ecosystem services for human well-being and to protect the natural environment as it changes

It is intended that UMECO provide benefits to a very wide range of stakeholders, in five main groups: i. Governmental bodies/devolved administrations and local authorities, with interests in water quality,

trends in environmental conditions, marine spatial planning, avoidance of risks and hazards, marine conservation and regulatory compliance.

ii. The UK science community, in universities and other research centres, using observational data to provide quantitative understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics and environmental change, via hypothesis testing and model development, and to provide excellent opportunities for research training.

iii. The private sector, including the energy, aquaculture, leisure and fishing industries, marine technology and biotechnology, environmental consultancies, the water industry and port authorities.

iv. European and international organisations with interests in climate change impacts at regional and global level, biodiversity loss, the global carbon cycle, ocean acidification and the sustainable use of natural resources within EU and intergovernmental frameworks.

v. NGOs and the wider public that have strong interests in safeguarding the marine environment. The UMECO website (in prep) will provide the means to make user-friendly data and data syntheses available to all of the above, using EMECO-developed webtools and most content provided via the existing EMECO website www.emecogroup.org and the new WSO website, www.westernshelfobservatory.org. Links will also be provided to sites covering component activities in greater detail (e.g. UKDMOS).

2. Proposal to Defra for future work A new proposal has been submitted to Defra (Further development of the EDT to produce a common system for assessment of Good Environmental Status for the MSFD based on EMECO and the EDT) that includes an element of funding for the WSO or a potential UMECO.

3. Proposal to the EU for further work European funding has been won from the European Commission as part of a wider consortium lead by IFREMER, starting in May 2011. The Joint Environmental Research Infrastructure for Coastal Observations (JERICO) is a European funded 4 year project made up of around 26 European Marine Institutes and small-to-medium sized enterprises. Much of the 6.5 million euro funding in the programme is for coordinating coastal observatories and monitoring systems at a pan-European scale. Cefas are leading the ‘Public Outreach and Education’ work package (WP6). As part of this, the new European data from the JERICO monitoring systems will be imported into EMECO and accessed by the "JERICO community hub". This will be a website aimed at the general public and educational sectors. The University of Malta will be providing and organising most of the content for the website that will have a user interface to the EMECO site through which the new JERICO data will be provided. This interface will be designed for use by the public and education sectors, as opposed to the current interface, which is primarily aimed at scientists and policy makers. Milestone 5.1 Review of potential new partners and plan to broaden partnership Since the inception of WSO, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and Marine Scotland are now two new partners. The French Research Institute for Exploration of the Seas (IFREMER) is a potential new partner with which formal links are already being established. Depending on further funding a wider review will be conducted to determine whether there are the needs and potential to expand membership further.

The main implications of the findings

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The WSO has demonstrated a desire of the marine community to collaborate and form regional partnerships in order to improve the evidence base for environmental assessments, but also to foster opportunities to create new knowledge through better use of existing resources and capability. In building the ‘observatory’ Defra has created a regional infrastructure that, if sustained, will provide a more efficient mechanism for securing the supply of data to underpin future evidence needs for a range of policy drivers. A unique aspect of the partnership is that, for the first time, the NERC sustained observing community have been brought together with the major UK government marine agencies and have developed a common vision. The WSO provides the mechanism to ‘scale up’ from local (sub-regional) observing systems to the scale of policy need. For the MSFD this is at the Irish/Celtic seas scale – the domain of the WSO. Gaining agreement of people and organisations to work together is an important first stage. Being able to demonstrate what difference will be made through working together is an even more important step. The EDT provides a mechanism to bring together all relevant data for integration, synthesis and creation of information, in a form amenable to environmental assessment. It also provides the means to demonstrate how evidence can be improved through access to partner data. To summarise, the main implications are;

• The marine community is willing to form mutually beneficial partnerships through the concept of

observatories,

• Regional scale observatories can deliver information at the scale of policy need,

• The EDT provides a means of demonstrating how, through such partnerships, better evidence can

be created supporting governments need for better evidence of environmental status,

• The EMECO/WSO initiative provides a vision of how the marine community can make a

demonstrable difference to providing data and evidence needed by government.

Possible future work

Work has already been proposed to Defra that would enable the WSO, or its successor (UMECO), to be sustained and further work to extend the scope of the Datatools to provide the basis of an UK assessment and reporting system for the MSFD. In addition, work will start with funding from the EU on the JERICO programme. It will fund a pan European scale coordination of coastal observatories and monitoring systems.

During the Western Shelf Observatory programme interest has been growing from the European Commission in the EMECO and WSO initiative. As a result the project science lead (Mills) has been invited to join a European expert group on marine infrastructures. In particular, the commission is interested in the potential development of a European Integrated Ocean Observation System with a strong focus on meeting policy needs and especially the MSFD. EMECO and WSO are seen as a potential template for a pan-European system. Consequently, there is considerable potential for future funding from EU Framework 7 and Framework 8 programmes.

In addition, the European Marine Observation Data Network (EMODNET) has also invited presentations about EMECO and the WSO to its expert group. Later in 2011 there will be a call from the Commission to carry out a basin-scale study on the North Sea. EMECO has the potential to meet some of the requirements for this call that will require demonstration of how data acquired from the EMODNET data portals can be used to meet a range of different end user needs.

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References to published material

9. This section should be used to record links (hypertext links where possible) or references to other published material generated by, or relating to this project.

References EU (European Union) (2008) Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). Official Journal of the European Union L164/19 Reports Cefas (Centre for Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science) (2011) Milestone 2.1 E5303/C3686 Cefas Interoperability Report. Cefas, Lowestoft Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (2010) Charting Progress 2: an assessment of the state of the seas. London, UK Websites directly related to the project www.emecogroup.org www.emecodata.net www.lwec.org.uk/ www.westernshelfobservatory.org Papers and abstracts submitted Mills DK, Keeble K, Foden J, Forster R, Rees J, Keeble S, Malcolm S (submitted) EMECO Datatool: A regional scale data integration and assessment system for marine environmental policy needs. Underwater Technology special edition, Oceanology2010. (Appendix I) EGU 2011, Informatics in Oceanography session. The EMECO Marine Data Tool – an ‘on-line’ data integration and synthesis information system for marine environmental assessments. Mills, Keeble, Forster, Keeble, Malcolm, Rees and van der Molen, Presentations in the public domain Presentation to EMODNET - http://www.emecogroup.org/media/17578/remi_laane_emeco.pdf Presentation to EU DG Research Marine Infrastructures panel - https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/node/1544

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