Topic
The overall topic for this workshop will be to synthesise available knowledge (Objective 1), and develop a medium-term (next decade) research strategy (Objective 2) for addressing key upcoming challenges for marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic.
The proposed workshop will enable extension beyond current climate change (CC) research, improving understanding of marine ecosystems under CC as well as the consequences for management and conservation, e.g. fisheries. Specifically, we will build upon the knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise concerning CC impacts on the Nordic marine ecosystems developed during NorMER.
Objectives
Objective 1 of this workshop will focus on synthesizing available knowledge on CC research and identification of knowledge gaps in marine science and policy through the development of new, innovative interdisciplinary collaborative studies. Under the NorMER umbrella, several collaborative projects involving the key and invited participants of this workshop explored different aspects of current climate change research in marine ecosystems, with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
The main goal of objective 2 is to develop a research strategy for the next decade, outlining avenues for addressing emerging threats to marine ecosystems.
Expected Outcomes
The expected impact of this workshop rests in the improved understanding of marine systems and of strategies to deal with upcoming global challenges for sustainable use of marine resources. Given the major role that marine ecosystems play for human livelihood and coastal economies, and the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to current global changes, timely management and early action is invaluable. This workshop will promote scientific research with direct and indirect positive impacts on humans livelihoods and environmental conditions in Europe and globally, with the added value of condensing past and current research on CC and marine ecosystem through the interdisciplinary, medium-term approach for adaptation to future challenges.
In addition to the societal gains, the development of such a strategy will highlight European and Nordic research as leading global scientific effort, attracting international attention and recognition on scientific leadership of EU-funded research.
