The data we have and the information we still need… lessons from SHAREMED consultation

Scientific research priorities and the need for marine environmental status assessment and management have encouraged the development of multidisciplinary and large-scale observing capabilities, ranging from discrete in situ sampling to large scale satellite remote sensing data. In addition, long-term efforts have been made by the EU as well as by international organisations (EMODnet, Copernicus-CMEMS, GBIF, OBIS, IODE, Reef Check, Fishbase, SealifeBase, …) to collect, harmonise and make data and information available to different types of end-users. However, due to the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and rapidly changing environmental priorities, current monitoring systems in the Mediterranean need to be revised to address current environmental threats. The Interreg Med project SHAREMED (Sharing and enhancing capabilities to address environmental threats in the Mediterranean Sea) organized a workshop involving leading representatives of major international projects and initiatives relevant to the Mediterranean Sea in marine observation systems and in addressing the main environmental threats, as well as a wide range of heterogeneous stakeholders (research institutions, national, regional and local authorities, NGOs). SHAREMED also produced an online survey targeting different stakeholders across the Mediterranean region. The main goal of these two activities was to share knowledge on the state of the art of observation systems and the main environmental threats in the Mediterranean Sea. The information gathered helped to compare data and information available from current observation systems with the need to address current and future threats, and thus to identify and prioritise gaps that should be addressed in the design of a future transnational joint observation system. The outcomes of SHAREMED stakeholder consultation highlighted the need to improve, upgrade and integrate physical, biological and chemical observation and assessment systems to cover both high-resolution/small-scale and large - scale processes. In addition, the results from this poll also highlighted the need for more efficient governance, the establishment of cooperation frameworks, increase data sharing between different entities involved in marine monitoring and assessment, and between neighbouring countries, as well as ensuring long-term sustainability.