Marinas for Sea Science and Community Unity

On 4-5 July 2024, JPI Oceans held a scoping workshop on Certosa Island in the Venice lagoon to discuss the shape of a possible new JPI Oceans Joint Action that capitalises on the potential of marinas for science and education. The meeting was kindly hosted by the Venezia Certosa Marina, a marina upholding and promoting the values of sustainability and knowledge-based actions.  

Under the country co-leadership of Italy and Greece, 20 participants gathered to contribute to a novel blend of expertise from marina operation, marine research, ocean data and monitoring, and environmental stewardship. The workshop discussed how JPI Oceans could help integrate marinas into ocean observing efforts, thereby also driving sustainable practices, technological innovation, and community engagement.  

This workshop marks a significant step towards integrating marinas into the broader ocean observation network, promoting sustainability, and fostering a stronger community connection to the sea.  

The case was made that the over 6000 marinas and 6 million boats in Europe are an infrastructure resource that is largely untapped for contributing to marine knowledge and understanding. Marinas could, in particular, contribute to a better monitoring of coastal sea regions, where remote sensing has significant limitations. In turn, effective and acknowledged engagement in research and sustainability can benefit marina businesses. A JPI Oceans Joint Action design can therefore create win-win opportunities between marine research and marina industry.  

Discussions also focused on practical details of a possible Joint Action, for instance which marine parameters could be prioritised, where and by whom they could feasibly be measured, how affordable sensors could be made available, how data could be collected and then shared following FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, how reward for marinas and ocean observing volunteers could be ensured, and with what tools and offers marina communities can be engaged.

The workshop converged nicely on some ideas and ways forward. Over the coming months, these will be incorporated into a concept note for decision by JPI Oceans’ next Management Board meeting in late October.