The aim of EKLIPSE is to develop a mechanism to inform European-scale policy on biodiversity and related environmental challenges. This paper considers two fundamental aspects of the decision-support mechanism being developed by EKLIPSE: 1) the engagement of relevant actors from science, policy and society to jointly identify evidence for decision making; and 2) the networking of scientists and other holders of knowledge on biodiversity and other relevant evidence. The mechanism being developed has the potential not only to build communities of knowledge holders but to build informal networks among those with similar interests in evidence, be they those that seek to use evidence or those who are building evidence, or both. EKLIPSE has been successful in linking these people and in contributing to building informal networks of requesters of evidence, and experts of evidence and its synthesis. We have yet to see, however, significant engagement of formal networks of knowledge holders. Future success, however, relies on the continued involvement with and engagement of networks, a high degree of transparency within the processes and a high flexibility of structures to adapt to different requirements that arise with the broad range of requests to and activities of EKLIPSE. key messages EKLIPSE develops a mechanism to inform policy on biodiversity and related environmental challenges. EKLIPSE operates at a European scale, bringing together policy-makers and knowledge holders from both science and society. EKLIPSE promotes the networking of scientists and other holders of knowledge on biodiversity and other relevant evidence.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2018
WKTRADE3 developed methods and data flows that allow the assessment of seabed abrasion, economic value, weight of landings and impact on the seabed of mobile bottom-contacting gears in European waters by MSFD broad habitat type and métier. This report provides regional-specific assessments of pressure and impact of bottom-contacting fishing gears on the seabed and of trade-offs between fisheries and seafloor habitat protection. We also present an analysis of spatial and temporal variation in core fishing grounds, and review and evaluate any potential consequences to the ecosystem that could arise, if greater areas of seabed are left undisturbed by bottom fishing. An attempt was made to disaggregate variable costs from the STECF Annual Economic Report out on VMS data. The assessment covers four MSFD (sub)regions, 22 sub-divisions and four countries from Mediterranean and Black Sea. It is spanning from Norway and Finland in the North to Bulgaria in the south. For all areas, the surface abrasion data were avail-able for at least one year. For the Greater North Sea and Baltic Sea, it was possible to perform a complete analysis, while in the other regions data availability was more limited and it was not possible to assess the seabed impact. The impact of mobile bottom-contacting gears (MBCG) on seabed biota was assessed using two different methods and the percentage unfished c-squares was used as an indicator of fishing pressure. The average fishing intensity varies widely between habitat types and regions. Landings per swept area, and landings per unit impact also vary be-tween métiers by an order of magnitude. Effort reductions resulted in different responses between the two impact indicators and the fishing pressure indicator. For PD, the reduction of effort resulted in proportional reductions between benthic impact and fisheries value. For the two other indicators, L1 and percentage area unfished, the relationship between the weight/value and the indicators was not linear, meaning that larger improvements in the indicators could be obtained at small decreases in fisheries landings. There are many other direct and indirect benefits to eco-system and ecosystem services that could result from a reduction in MBCG, but currently the methods and data are not available to quantify these at the required spatial scale. Collectively, ICES expert groups produce many valuable reports each year. Some of these are very long (up to 1000 pp.). As much of the target audience will not have time to read the whole of each document, it is imperative that reports start with a clear, succinct, and factual executive summary that presents the key issues addressed in the main report.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2021
The new Research Vessel Belgica represents a major advancement in Belgian maritime research, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and advanced scientific equipment. As a successor to the previous vessel, it introduces new challenges, particularly in managing vast amounts of data generated by its variety of sensors. The redesign of data systems is essential to fully utilize the vessel's capabilities, ensuring trustworthy data collection and analysis. This transformation is vital to meet modern IT standards and comply with European directives like INSPIRE and Open Data, which demand accessible, standardized, and open data. The ODANext project addressed these challenges by enhancing data acquisition workflows, preserving historical data, and establishing a durable infrastructure for data storage and dissemination. These improvements aim to elevate the RV Belgica’s global research impact, facilitate efficient data sharing, and support scientific research, policy-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
