This community brings together a wide range of stakeholders, from scientists and data managers to educators and policy makers, all united by their commitment to sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. This vibrant network has been built through several EU-funded projects and initiatives that address diverse challenges in marine resource management. Its development initiated in the context of D4Science and D4Science-II projects where D4Science services and capacities were exploited to support the activities of cases falling under the umbrella of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resource Management led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. In the context of the iMarine project, the community was enlarged to include and support the homonymous initiative mobilizing representatives of international organisations dealing with the development of cases falling under the principles of the Ecosystem Approach to fisheries management and conservation of marine living resources. In the context of the BlueBRIDGE D4Science onboarded and supported key actors including scientists, data managers and educators in academic institutions and industries focusing on four major challenges: (i) stock assessment; (ii) socio-economic performance analysis in aquaculture; (iii) fisheries and habitat degradation monitoring; and, (iv) education and knowledge bridging on protection and management of marine resources. In the context of PerformFISH D4Science supported a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary community working to generate, validate and apply new knowledge in real farming conditions to increase the competitiveness of Mediterranean aquaculture by overcoming biological, technical and operational issues. In the context of the Blue Cloud and Blue-Cloud 2026 projects D4Science supported the community creating a federated ecosystem for FAIR and open data as well as analytical services for research of oceans, EU seas, and coastal and inland waters. Through these projects, our community continues to grow, fostering collaboration and innovation to solve today’s most pressing marine and fisheries challenges.
Marine science is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that brings together various branches of science to explore and understand the complexities of the ocean. It integrates aspects of Earth sciences, such as geology and meteorology, to study the ocean floor, coastal processes, and the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. This helps in understanding phenomena like plate tectonics, ocean currents, and climate change. Incorporating biology, marine science examines the diverse life forms that inhabit the ocean, from microscopic plankton to the largest whales. It explores the intricate ecosystems and food webs, the behavior and physiology of marine organisms, and the impact of human activities on marine biodiversity. This biological perspective is crucial for conservation efforts and sustainable management of marine resources. Chemistry plays a vital role in marine science by analyzing the chemical composition of seawater, including salinity, pH, and the presence of nutrients and pollutants. Understanding these chemical properties is essential for studying oceanic processes such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the effects of ocean acidification on marine life. Physics is also integral to marine science, as it involves the study of physical properties and dynamics of the ocean, including waves, tides, and ocean circulation. Physical oceanography helps in predicting weather patterns, understanding the distribution of heat and energy in the ocean, and assessing the impact of physical changes on marine ecosystems. Technology is a cornerstone of modern marine science, providing advanced tools and techniques for exploration and research. This includes the use of remote sensing, underwater robotics, and sophisticated modeling software to collect data, map the ocean floor, and simulate oceanic processes. Technological advancements have significantly expanded our ability to study the ocean in greater detail and over larger scales.
D4Science plays a pivotal role in supporting the marine science community by providing a robust and versatile infrastructure that enhances research capabilities. Through its API Gateway, D4Science offers seamless access to a wide range of services and resources, enabling researchers to manage data, collaborate, and share information efficiently. The platform's consultancy and support services ensure that users can leverage the full potential of the infrastructure, with technical assistance, training, and custom solutions tailored to specific project needs.
Moreover, D4Science's commitment to data sovereignty ensures that marine data is managed in compliance with local laws and regulations, protecting data privacy and security. By integrating advanced technologies and providing a comprehensive support system, D4Science empowers marine scientists to conduct cutting-edge research, address global challenges, and contribute to the sustainable management of ocean resources. This holistic approach fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, driving forward our understanding of the ocean and its critical role in the Earth's system.
Gateway
Blue-Cloud Gateway
Blue-Cloud, a thematic EOSC cloud to better understand and manage the ocean sustainability, through a set of five compelling pilot Blue-Cloud demonstrators. It develops and deploys, the Pilot Blue Cloud as a cyber platform bringing together and providing access to: 1) multidisciplinary data from observations and models, 2) analytical tools, 3) computing facilities essential for key blue science use cases.
iMarine Gateway
This gateway is an access point to a number of Virtual Research Environments deployed and operated in the context of the past iMarine EU FP7 project to support the Ecosystem Approach to fisheries management and conservation of marine living resources.
PerformFISH Gateway
PerformFISH Gateway serves the EC-funded PerformFISH project officially launched in Volvos, Greece, on 15-16 May 2017 with the aim of exploring and tackling the underlying causes behind the stagnation of the Mediterranean Marine Fish Farming (MMFF) sector. Over the next five years, PerformFISH will work to ensure sustainable growth of the Mediterranean aquaculture industry, based on consumer perceptions and real market requirements. It aims to support fish farms that operate not only in ideal economic and environmental conditions but also in a socially and culturally responsible manner.