EMODnet & Copernicus Marine Service - 3rd Coordination Meeting

Date: 17 April 2019, 9:00

Location: Brussels, DG MARE, Rue Joseph II 99 (ROOM J99 04/A022)

List of actions

Draft Minutes

Chair: Iain Shepherd (DG MARE)

1. Welcome, meeting agenda & tour de table

Iain Shepherd (DG MARE) welcomed the participants. The participants presented themselves shortly. For the complete list of participants, please refer to the Annex 1.

2. Status updates from European Commission
   1. Note to the file on implementing the collaboration between CMEMS and EMODnet (DG GROW and DG MARE)

EC DG MARE and DG GROW directors exchanged letters, highlighting benefits of collaboration, communicating about both initiatives when relevant and agreeing on specific collaborations e.g. Hackathon OSL II.

Fabienne Jacq (DG GROW) underlined the importance of both initiatives and to define best practices that could be implemented by Copernicus and EMODnet portals to enable ingestion of data for example.

We need to ensure that the data can be used for multiple purposes, avoid duplication, co-operate during big events on the international scale.

Communication is important to show larger view of concerted EC approach, by creating a service that is greater than the components.

1. 2. Updates on the EMFF negotiation (EASME)

EMFF funds EMODnet and many other activities. About 90% of funding is used by Member States (MS) on fisheries, aquaculture and other related activities. About 10% is used by DG MARE to support activities related among others to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Marine Knowledge (e.g. EMODnet) etc. MS’s may be using EMFF funds (or could do so in the future) to collect data for EMODnet, but it is not easy to find out as this information is not reported as such. One way to increase spending on data collection is to communicate more with MS representatives and promote the possibility to use EMFF funds to collect data for MSFD and simultaneously for ingestion to EMODnet.

Evaluation of EMODnet is ongoing and will be published by EC soon giving information on benefits of EMODnet and coherence with MSFD, MSP etc. This will include positive recommendations for improvements, e.g. making the interface simpler.

1. 3. Updates from DG GROW on Copernicus and Copernicus Marine

For Copernicus updates include priorities of services climate, atmosphere, marine, maritime security, land services, emerging sea services, develop solutions to greenhouse gases and CO₂ monitoring, more emphasis on Arctic, cultural heritage, maritime surveillance and border control and rural development including forestry and agriculture.

Copernicus spans the entire marine value chain: from data collection to data services, data dissemination and uptake.

Copernicus regulation text is approved. EC EP and Council negotiations finalised. Critical to implement Galileo and space surveillance and Copernicus follow-on also agreed. Same trusted entities. Budget increased to 5.8 Billion (3.4 Billion previously).

Full continuity of full constellation and 6 new candidate missions: CO₂ monitoring is a top priority and will be done (3 satellites more). Other aspects to be decided include hyperspectral mission for agriculture and water quality for coastal areas, land thermal infrared for surface temperature and transpiration and water cycle. Arctic (passive microwave US and Japan monitor sea ice concentration), polar altimeter focus following Cryosat mission and ice caps and forest management.

Copernicus will offer ice thickness as a real-time product by end 2019. Cryosat + SMOS satellites. Simulating modelling and forecasting centre (Nansen) already assimilating data into the model.

3. General updates on current and upcoming activities from CMEMS and EMODnet
   1. CMEMS status (Pierre-Yves Le Traon) CMEMS status update (Pierre-Yves Le Traon)

• December 2017, 4 new shareholders: CMCC, NERSC, Met Office UK and Puerto Del Estado. In 2019: Others to join + open to new shareholders: In discussions with DMI, SMHI etc.
• 5^th Annual cycle of CMEMS, 2019 is CMEMS Phase II, 2^nd year: Ramping up.
• Updated architecture: Cloud based production system.
• Service evolution with 18 new contracts. 10 started in Summer 2018. New series of contracts to start soon.
• 16 April 2019: New service release interface with SOCAT and ICOS. Gridded product for air-sea flux, pCO2, pH multi-obs thematic assembly centres. Building on AtlantOS and first indicator of global pH.
• Full surface currents now available: Global current model and currents due to waves and tides.
• ARGO profiling floats to extend this to biogeochemistry, including nutrients (currently limited) and to also use neural networks to derive nutrients from other observations e.g. oxygen. Need demonstrations to show the accuracy of derived nutrients.
• Ocean monitoring indicator: working on 3^rd version of Ocean State Report (OSR) journal of operational oceanography. Summary by May 2019. Full report this year. OSR 4 is in development.
• User interaction: Measure user satisfaction proactively by the service desk. Question or support ask users how they rate the support, annual questionnaire. Currently there are about 17,000 users subscribed and this is steadily increasing. Teams monitoring the use of the products – downloads include business companies. Downloads / month e.g. one product /user can be as high as 50,000 / month.
• Innovation of CMEMS: User uptake call for tender every year, started 2017 and 3^rd batch will start in May 2019 to work with downstream sector.
• Strong focus on the coastal water quality, ice, marine renewable energy, fisheries etc.
• Service evolution / R&D: 2018 18 new projects for mid--term (100-200K Euro). 2-year project (postdoctoral level). If successful products/outputs could be integrated into CMEMS within 1 year. Topics include ocean circulation; Ocean biology high-level trophic organisms in biogeochemical models; Integrating land-sea e.g. river hydrology inputs; long-term projections in coastal zone for ocean biology.
• Requirements for in situ and satellite observations: Used by ESA. CMEMS not funding in situ observing system but advocating for ocean observing and monitoring data collection.
• Copernicus General Assembly on the 20 May 2019: will involve all monitoring and thematic assembly centres, user uptake and service evolution. There is a session to discuss EMODnet and CMEMS interactions. Final agenda expected by end April.
• WEKEO - DIAS platform collaboration: New services developing access to services and sentinel observations. Recently plugged to the CMEMS cloud.
• Future priorities: Coastal impact assessments and long-term change, higher trophic levels for fishery management (micro-nekton as a start), arctic, etc. Working with EEA for Roadmap for CMEMS in the coastal zone. Presented at Copernicus user Forum December 2018 to see how to evolve to better suit coastal users.
• Bathymetry theme provides another good interface for CMEMS and EMODnet. Copernicus land monitoring: Description of the coast, land cover and land use. Common topic on hydrology.
• Emergency service and climate service are all relevant to coastal service (cross-cutting). Co-production between CMEMS and Member States so want better harmonisation but do not take over MS activities, but rather supply data for e.g. coastal modelling.
• CMEMS impact study “Blue Book” expected by 8 June, World Ocean Day.
  
  2. EMODnet status (Jan-Bart Calewaert and the thematic portals) – EMODnet status update (Jan-Bart Calewaert)
  3. EMODnet specific updates

EMODnet digital bathymetry (Dick Schaap, MARIS)

• The new digital bathymetry has resolution and expanded coverage and includes both in situ and satellite-derived including 9,000 surveys for ground-truthing.
• Generally receive positive feedback from users – it is the most popular EMODnet data product. New release anticipated for Spring 2020 – at the same resolution but with new data.
• For satellite DTM is using sentinel data via German based partner EO-MAP. Satellite-derived data is useful to complement and fill gaps in in situ data sets. Sentinel-2 to evolve including turbidity and bathymetry.
• EMODnet Bathymatry is in contact with Seabed 2030 GEBCO Nippon Foundation initiative for Global (altimetry) bathymetry.

Action 1: Discuss and share further plans for satellite-derived bathymetry for EMODnet and CMEMS (Dick Schaap and Pierre-Yves Le Traon)

EMODnet Seabed Habitat Maps EUSeaMap (Helen Lillis, JNCC)

• Growing since 2009. Covers rely on bathymetry and substrate data from EMODnet Geology.
• Need environmental data for input layers e.g. currents, light availability, ice cover (for Barents Sea). Categorise the seafloor into biological zones based on depth and environmental data. Combine these into a classification type. Use some CMEMS products in the construction of this. Interest in seafloor – Mediterranean and Black sea to determine variables such as kinetic energy at seafloor.
• Example of a product relying on datasets from different themes: the EUSeaMap development process was presented at the EOOS Conference 2018. The outputs are also very useful for benthic species distribution modelling.
• Future improvements: CMEMS may be interested in publishing seabed bottom products.

Action 2: Discuss ways to highlight and link to EMODnet products on the CMEMS data services (e.g. seabed habitat maps JNCC)

EMODnet Human Activities new vessel density maps:

• EMSA have agreed to provide the AIS data, not the product. Data already purchased from CLS.
• The maps show the trajectory, the volume and the ship types.

EMODnet Chemistry and beach & seafloor litter maps (Alessandra Giorgetti, OGS)

• JRC and MSFD TWG of marine litter coordinated the data collection using agreed protocols.
• CMEMS may be most interested in nutrients: EMODnet Chemistry focuses on 6 European sea basins. For MSFD metadata is vital to track the data quality and provenance.
• Products are generally multi-year average moving window starting from 1970’s (averages over 6 years). One product per year updated based on data aggregation. Interesting to CMEMS modelling teams.
• Question: Can we see trends or anomalies in oxygen etc. Could link to CMEMS products (model outputs of oxygen).
• There is an EMODnet level quality control loop, integrate data and check/flag/remove outliers.
• In contact with EEA for contaminants and they provide the analysis and published, etc.
• Additional analysis of data at Member State level is important for environmental compliance.

EMODnet Geology (Sytze Van Heteren, NTO)

• Characterize behaviours of the coastline using satellite database Landsat and sentinel-2 with improved resolution. Automated routine to distinguish water from land. Product is full coverage and 1 time period (10 years 2007-2017). Could you use Sentinel-1 using radar? Can detect water but not big enough resolution.
• The biggest challenge is the resolution. Future development and related products on updated erosion product and coastal type (rock or sediment) drawn for geological mapping. Role of satellite data for land-sea interface.
• Other geology products have been released or will be released soon: Seafloor Geology, Geological Events and Probabilities, Seabed substrate, mineral dataset, submerged landscape. Geological surveys produce data and add value.
• Question: Earth observations: Market from the public sector. European level product developed once for all. One contractor central provider.

EMODnet Physics (Antonio Novellino, ETT, & Patrick Gorringe)

• Noise maps is the newest product being developed, particularly useful for MSFD indicator 11. Involves sound propagation, impulsive noise and continuous noise. CMEMS products are being used in the development process.
• Good collaboration between EMODnet physics and CMEMS in situ TAC, in particular to identify and ingest missing datasets.
• CMEMS product used in the processing machine: Noise characterisation done in the downstream sector. EMODnet physics are linked with the Quiet Ocean company.
• Data Ingestion: Engage to delayed mode data 600 submissions (450 elaborated and published) but also operational physics through EMODnet physics and can identify operators to be linked through CMEMS in situ TAC and EMODnet physics. Organize National or regional workshops to bring together potential operators. Synergy between EMODnet Data Ingestion, physics and CMEMS.
• EMODnet Physics is important also to communicate with potential data providers, and promote European/international standards.
• EMODnet Data Ingestion now has linked in >30 stations/operational platforms that have data relevant for CMEMS so they are mutually beneficial. So CMEMS can also inform the community of this service.

Action 3: Promote collaboration & information sharing between both communities, via the webservices, of relevant datasets, EMODnet ingestion and further development of use cases.

Action 4: Increase the communication between CMEMS & EMODnet Secretariat to inform about new products

European Atlas of the Seas (EAS): Marine data layers/maps for the general public

• The collaboration CMEMS-EAS is important as this could be minimal effort for maximum impact. Potential to display chlorophyll, sea surface temperature anomalies data, etc.

Action 5: Explore opportunities for CMEMS data /products to be included into the EAS

Upcoming EMODnet events

• Open Sea Lab II kick-off: 24 May 2019
• Open Sea Lab II hackathon: 4-6 September 2019
• EMODnet Steering Committee: 2-3 September 2019
• EMODnet Technical WG: 3 September 2019
• EAS Steering Committee: 12 September 2019
• EMODnet Open Conference Jamboree planned for January-February 2020: Bring all EMODnet projects together. 4 days with 150 organisations and brainstorm with the wider community/stakeholders. Plan ahead for 2021.

Post-meeting note: The EMODnet Open Conference Jamboree will now take place on 21-25 September 2020 in Belgium.

4. General status of current MoU CMEMS with EMODnet Physics and EMODnet Chemistry

The MoU concerning cooperation on in-situ biogeochemical marine data between EMODnet Chemistry and CMEMS MoU is near final. Signatories are Pierre Bahurel and Sylvie Pouliquen (Copernicus). Alessandra Giorgetti and Dick Schaap (EMODnet Chemistry) and Jan-Bart (EMODnet Secretariat).

Action 6: MoU EMODnet Chemistry - CMEMS: Proceed to finalise and sign.

Post-meeting note: The EMODnet Chemistry – CMEMS MoU wassigned in September 2019

5. EOOS Updates (Kate Larkin) EOOS updates (Kate Larkin)

EOOS is a community initiative focussed on creating a coordinating framework for Europe’s capability in in situ observation. Since 2015 the initiative was co-led by EuroGOOS and the European Marine Board. Since 2017, the EMODnet Secretariat workplan includes an EOOS work package, including EC funding for a community Conference dedicated to connecting European ocean observing and monitoring communities, co-organized by the EMODnet, EMB and EuroGOOS Secretariats. A Call to Action and detailed Conference report was produced, led by the EMODnet Secretariat. Mercator and Copernicus are actively involved in EOOS development and we need to ensure further development of EOOS takes forward an inclusive, transparent approach.

6. Aligning communication and joint representation (All)

EMODnet and Copernicus Marine should share PPT slides and present both initiatives at events to show that we are working in the same direction (e.g. as done at the IODE meeting in Japan, February 2019). It is important where possible to share common messages and communicate the value of both initiatives for the users to understand how the two initiatives complement each other, interact and work together as key components for the system as a whole.

We should share our annual planning of trainings as well and see the possibility to have shared trainings. (E.g. Thematic workshop MSFD but also through the upcoming Open Sea Lab II data hackathon organized by EMODnet, in collaboration with Copernicus Marine Service and ICSE).

Action 7: Communication: Maintain a list of events CMEMS & EMODnet will attend and share for joint events a standard PPT presentation (shows synergy and links). Increase the sharing of information on communication and trainings.

7. INSTAC and EMODnet data aspects
   1. INSTAC and EMODnet Physics & INSTAC and EMODnet Chemistry Data INSTAC presentation

• New in the INSTAC is adding new type of platforms (e.g. HF Radar and Carbon data) and Ocean monitoring indicators.
• Near real-time data stream works with automatic Quality Control. Added statistical QC for temperature and salinity to improve efficiency of near r-t data and then data go to EMODnet physics.
• New products: Chlorophyll April 2019, oxygen end 2019, nutrients 2020, currents (HF Radar), wave data from European seas, carbon products from SOCAT. Exchange with EMODnet Chemistry will be in parallel.
• SeaDataNet, CMEMS and EMODnet work together for a Strategy to share data: standardization between the networks and to better integrate data from the observing networks.
• Common standards and sharing best practices. Next step to implement the FAIR principles continuing under new H2020 project.
• CMEMS data flow: Global networks JCOMM, EuroGOOS ROOSes, EMODnet
• Work with SeaDataNet to share data more regularly and to start more regular data flow between CMEMS INSTAC and EMODnet Chemistry and EMODnet ingestion (data on EOVs to provide for Copernicus). CMEMS work on real-time data because EMODnet Chemistry deals with historical data it is important to work together. But, EMODnet Chemistry could potentially ingest some near real-time from CMEMS and there can be more connections made between data streams.
• Currently there remains a gap between operational oceanography and delayed mode data (excellent foundation for benchmarking / validation of the models). Need mutual exchange so EMODnet and CMEMS exchange for near real-time and EMODnet and SeaDataNet for delayed mode.
• Aggregated data focuses on data already quality-controlled. Need to share QA/QC between delayed mode and near real-time.
• European initiatives such as EOSC, stressing FAIR principles to make sure metadata, machine-machine, user interfaces (10 projects), SeaDataCloud and pilot Blue Cloud can be useful as a framework for collaboration and bring in latest IT developments e.g. machine learning.
• European HF Radar with European standards will be available for EMODnet
• INSTAC now using EMODnet API to show EMODnet visualization.
• Enhance monitoring and reporting tools, in partnership with JCOMMOPS and EuroGOOS and EMODnet physics.
  • Work on new data stream integration, work together to avoid duplication
  • New variables aggregation
• IT improvements and new architecture will change the way the users will access the data, but need solid foundation of data management and collaborate to identify common standards for data quality.
• Meeting mid-May bringing Marine Research Infrastructures (ICOS etc.).
• Framework developing the methodology: Best practices developed in AtlantOS can now be applied.

Action 8: Exchange on data and data streams and collaboration on data collection aggregation

Action 9: Discuss with SeaDataNet, EMODnet and CMEMS ways to achieve more standardisation across the network.

Action 10: Share and discuss timelines and foci of future planning for EMODnet & CMEMS for different portals to encourage alignment of EMODnet lots and CMEMS developments.

8. Single Sign-On CMEMS-EMODnet (User tracking and user knowledge)

Pascal Derycke updated on Marine ID: EMODnet Steering committee decided to go for Marine ID.

• EMODnet has open web services whilst for CMEMS you need to register to access datasets (to track users). User access for EMODnet Physics: they can also access Copernicus Marine Service and vice versa.
• For Marine ID there is a need for a technical team to work on this (e.g. EMODnet Technical Working Group). Marine ID: you register once and then use ID to access all services (have to agree with licenses of the different services).
• If we roll out Marine ID by EMODnet, have we tested the interoperability with CMEMS?
• Each Copernicus service has a registration service so there is no single sign in across Copernicus services.
• The Pilot Blue Cloud may address some issues (e.g. Marine ID could be linked to WEKEO).

9. Open Sea Lab II / Hackathon

• Hackathon in collaboration between EMODnet, ICES and CMEMS. It will take place on the 4-5-6 September 2019 in Ghent. We aim for 100 participants.
• We welcome the collaboration of CMEMS regarding communication, the involvement of the communities; presence at the kick-off to present CMEMS portfolio, send coaches (e.g. CMEMS will potentially provide 4, including technical assistance of WEKEO and DIAS), provide input for challenges, give a prize (E.g. Training, online courses, open summer of code/data camp, credits etc.), develop an hackathon package (technical info).
• 24 May 2019: Hackathon kick-off in Brussels, Royal Museum of Fine Arts. 50 physically + live stream.

Action 11: Continue collaboration on Open Sea Lab II in terms of communication, community involvement, presentations of CMEMS portfolio, coaches, Challenges, Prizes, use DIAS, etc.

10. Collaboration on MSFD

There is a CMEMS – MSFD workshop on 2 October 2019. Presentations by CMEMS and users of CMEMS for MSFD. Most significant parameters for MSFD Descriptor 5 Eutrophication, 11 Underwater Noise. We can compliment with EMODnet use cases. DG ENV, RSCs and ICES are important to have more coherent reporting.

Action 12: Explore CMEMS-MSFD workshop collaboration (Dominique, CMEMS and Alessandra, EMODnet Chemistry)

11. Cooperation around EU Policies: MSP as test case

• SHOM is very active in this area. Marine spatial plans could be provided as a layer in EMODnet Human Activities. Ecosystem-based support for MSP.
• MSP Assistance Mechanism and EMODnet could provide information and guidance to National/Member State practitioners on how they could access and supply data and data products and on EMODnet hosting National MSP.
• Make sure EMODnet data are being used for MSP, National data. It would be useful for cross-border collaboration level.
• Look in advance of what seas will look like in future projections in 20 or 30 years. EU Decarbonization Strategy states that offshore wind electricity generation is set to rapidly increase and biofuel for land.

12. Next meeting

Proposed for February/March 2020.

Annex I - List of participants

Apologies:

• Cecilia Donati (CMEMS)