EMODnet & Copernicus Marine Service - 4th Coordination Meeting

Date: 20 April 2020, 14:00 - 16:45 (Sessions 1 & 2)

Location: Remote meeting (due to Covid-19 restrictions)

List of Actions (Combined across Session 1 & 2)

Draft Minutes

Session 1

Chair: Iain Shepherd (DG MARE)

Session 1 was held on April 20 from 14:00 to 15:30. The participants list and agenda are provided in Annexes I and II.

Iain Shepherd (DG MARE) and Fabienne Jacq (DG DEFIS) introduced the meeting and expressed the vision of the two DGs.

From the DG MARE perspective, 5 main points were underlined:

1. DG MARE is committed to the follow up of EMODnet;
2. A major revamping of EMODnet portals is planned over the next 2 years (one single portal and a close down of the different portals);
3. EMOD-PACE, the ongoing project between the European Union and China is progressing well and foreseeably will allow access to data, including in-situ data that has been collated by China;
4. A new consultation on ocean observations is about to be launched; and
5. ‘Destination Earth’, part of the EU Green Deal, provides a new framework for what EMODnet carries out, i.e., facilitating the access to data and data products.

Fabienne Jacq (DG DEFIS) noted that due to the short advance notice for the meeting, it had not been possible to prepare a consolidated DG DEFIS contribution nor to organize a strategic discussion between DG MARE and DG DEFIS prior to the meeting. She continues on to then remind participants of the importance of the coordination between CMEMS and EMODnet and informed the participants on the ongoing process to prepare CMEMS plans for Copernicus 2 (blue/green/white offer) and the main priorities for CMEMS evolution (coastal, biology, Arctic, climate, digital). She also summarized the main evolutions planned for the satellite component of Copernicus, in particular, for the monitoring of the polar zone. DG DEFIS also closely follows the Destination Earth (DG DEFIS/DG Connect), Digital Twin (ESA) and DG RTD Mission Ocean discussions where Copernicus should play a prominent role.

Pierre-Yves Le Traon (CMEMS/MOi) summarized the Copernicus Marine Service plans for Copernicus 2. He gave a brief status of the present service and its blue/green/white offer and its very satisfactory user uptake. He then presented Copernicus 2 plans: continuity of the present service, reinforcing user engagement and user uptake, development of cloud services, evolutions in resolution/coupling/data assimilation and new offer for coastal, biology, Arctic and climate. Climate projections at regional scale are also considered.

Jan-Bart Calewaert summarized the status of EMODnet. Despite Covid-19, the different portals are working well. EMODnet teams are waiting for the new call for tenders (expected by Summer 2020) to organize the evolution of EMODnet activities in the next two years.

Pierre-Yves Le Traon explained that it is essential for a better alignment of CMEMS and EMODnet activities in the next 7 years (next MFF) to get a better view of EMODnet plans for physics and chemistry. There is a very good cooperation today between EMODnet physics and chemistry with CMEMS in-situ TAC but there is a need to revisit and adjust, if necessary, (in order to optimize the collaboration) the respective role and activities of CMEMS in situ TAC and EMODnet.

• Action 1: EMODnet to provide, when possible, long term plans of EMODnet physics and chemistry activities so that this can be taken into account by MOi when framing the long-term evolution of the CMEMS In Situ TAC (Antonio Novellino & Patrick Gorringe (EMODnet Physics), Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry), 31 January 2021 with a first draft end of September 2020)

Ian Shepherd (DG MARE) noted that a discussion should take place between CMEMS and EMODnet future activities on coastal issues in relation with EMODnet activities, in particular bathymetry, geology, physics and seabed habitats, and potentially other thematic areas.

Fabienne Jacq (DG DEFIS) noted that there should firstly be, (i.e., before a technical meeting) a strategic discussion between DG DEFIS and DG MARE. A specific meeting on coastal issues could then be organized.

• Action 2: Organize a technical meeting on coastal behavior between EMODnet thematic areas and CMEMS (EMODnet Secretariat, CMEMS, DG MARE & DG DEFIS, 30 June 2020)

Kate Larkin reviewed the status of past actions. Actions for most of them have been followed in a satisfactory way (see annex III for details of ongoing actions).

Jan-Bart Calewaert presented a draft agenda for the EMODnet Conference for which a wide participation of CMEMS is welcomed. It was agreed to share the initial draft agenda with MOi. MOi will then provide feedbacks on how CMEMS could contribute.

• Action 3: EMODnet secretariat to provide MOi with the initial draft agenda of the EMODnet conference. MOi will provide in return inputs on the best way CMEMS could contribute (EMODnet Secretariat, 30 June 2020)

Post-meeting note: The EMODnet Open Conference and Jamboree has been postponed until Spring/Summer 2021. A webinar will take place on Tuesday 22 September 2020 to celebrate EMODnet’s 10 years of progress.

Pierre-Yves Le Traon introduced the EOOS topic reminding that developing the collection of in-situ data (upstream observation infrastructure) is a fundamental prerequisite both for EMODnet and CMEMS activities. DG MARE and DG DEFIS should thus work together for the development of EOOS. Jan-Bart Calewaert explained that both MOi and EMODnet are part of the EOOS steering committee. He noted that EOOS progresses have been slow in the last year. There is a need for a major EU initiative on ocean observations, firstly with a EC consultation on ocean observing to be launched in 2020 (point 4 of Iain Shepherd’s introduction) that could possibly help pave the way.

The meeting was followed by a technical meeting including leaders of EMODnet portals and the CMEMS in-situ TAC leaders.

A new strategy meeting should take place in early 2021 (possibly during CMEMS General Assembly at the end of January 2021.

• Action 4: Organize a new strategy meeting in early 2021 (possibly during CMEMS GA, end January 2021) (CMEMS and EMODnet Secretariat, 31 January 2021)

Session 2

Chair: Kate Larkin (EMODnet Secretariat)

Welcome and update by DG MARE & DG DEFIS

Session 2 was held on April 20 from 15:30-16:45. The participants list and agenda are provided in Annexes I and II.

Kate Larkin (EMODnet Secretariat) welcomed participants, noting that the meeting was held remotely (webex) due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. She acknowledged the wide participation from CMEMS and EMODnet, including representation from all thematic areas of EMODnet. A tour de table followed, with brief introductions from each participant, including their affiliation and role. (For the complete list of participants, please refer to Annex 1). She explained the main objective of the meeting was to look at the operational collaborations between EMODnet and CMEMS, identify complementarities and to look towards the future for emerging areas of collaboration. All actions from the previous meeting had been completed, or were operational, and issues where collaboration was ongoing are being strengthened (see meeting Session 1 for more information).

Jan-Bart Calewaert (EMODnet Secretariat) introduced Conor Delaney as the EMODnet Technical Coordinator since March 2020, noting the good work of his predecessor Pascal Derycke. It was agreed that Conor Delaney will follow up with CMEMS colleagues to review the status and next steps for operational collaborations.

• Action 5: EMODnet and CMEMS Technical Coordinators review the status and next steps for operational collaborations (Conor Delaney and Dominique Obaton, 31 August 2020)

CMEMS status and catalogue evolution (April 2020 update)

See .pdf presentation CMEMS status and catalogue evolutioncmems_status-_emodnetcmems_meeting_20april2020_d.obaton.pdf

Dominique Obaton gave an update of CMEMS status and catalogue evolution. The different numbers and facts reported for CMEMS for the year 2019 were:

• 21176 subscribers on CMEMS, 120 countries and 4034 organisations;
• 7371 different users downloaded products, 25% out of then each day;
• Among subscribers: 11% from private companies, 18% from public sector services; In terms of number of downloads: Private companies represent 54% of total volume downloaded
• Total volume downloaded: 2 290 TB;
• Area of interest: marine resources increase in percentage;
• All products (model, satellite, in situ) were downloaded; and
• Half of regular users are downloaded products since 2017 and before.

Several releases of the service took place in 2019 and beginning of 2020. The main evolutions and updates reported across the three pillars of Blue Ocean (physical parameters), Green Ocean (Biogeochemical parameters) and White Ocean (ice cover) were:

• Introduction of carbonate systems in 2019, with a new surface carbon product;
• Sentinel 3B integrated or used in satellite and model products;
• New Arctic sea ice thickness satellite product (merged data from Cryosat-2 and SMOS); and
• Wave spectra in situ products.

Iain Shepherd (DG MARE) remarked that it would be interesting to know how many users were from private companies, noting that for EMODnet 25% of all users were from the private sector. This information is regularly monitored by MOi (e.g. type of products downloaded, number of products, data volume, when and how much, usage). In 2019 more than half of volume downloaded (54%) was by private companies.

EMODnet status and portfolio evolution (April 2020 update)

See .pdf presentation EMODnet portfolio update April 202020200330_emodnet_portfolio.pdf

Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry) noted that on the central portal, the catalogue of all data products are available through a search function that allows selecting products from all EMODnet thematic areas. This catalogue is INSPIRE-compliant. Statistics show that altogether 25% of EMODnet users are from private companies.

Laurence Crosnier (CMEMS) asked about the EMODnet user service and how users are tracked. It was noted that user statistics are already tracked for each thematic area and collated (see EMODnet Annual Reports). In the future, this would be more integrated by the Central Portals. A central dashboard is being developed that is currently in testing and will be operational very soon. In fact, for indicators 8-12 the dashboard is fully automated and so each Thematic Coordinator can access this information independently. This will allow thematic areas, as well as external users to access this information continuously.

Kate Larkin (EMODnet Secretariat) presented some latest highlights of EMODnet data and data products including:

• EMODnet Chemistry maps of contaminants across Europe;
• EMODnet Human Activities collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for vessel density maps (complimenting the EMODnet release in March 2019);
• EMODnet Geology data products on coastal behavior, produced via satellite data (as a proxy for Sea Level Rise); and
• EMODnet Physics Sea Level Trends (Relative, Absolute, and Anomalies, including enhanced resolution and coverage).

The full list of EMODnet data and data products is presented in the EMODnet portfolio online, and was last updated in March 2020.

CMEMS In-situ TAC and EMODnet Physics MoU: Status & Plans for 2020/2021

See .pdf presentation CMEMS in situ TAC and EMODnet Physics20200420_emodnet_cmems_physics.pdf

Antonio Novellino (EMODnet Physics) and Sylvie Pouliquen (CMEMS INSTAC) gave a joint presentation.

EMODnet Physics and CMEMS INSTAC had formalised collaboration through an MoU two years ago, and this has led to operational collaborations in data and data products and exchange on complimentary activities. The common data ingestion platform was acknowledged as a way forward to develop a common data flow. It was noted that data and data products are available through both CMEMS and EMODnet services, with the near-real-time (NRT) products being the same in both services, (i.e., same data and two different services relying on each other). The CMEMS – EMODnet physical data workflow also facilitates historical data coverage. One example of EMODnet-CMEMS collaboration with the private sector is with the company ‘Saildrone’, (whose partners include NOAA, NASA, CSIRO, and PMEL), particularly the Atlantic to Mediterranean Mission from Autumn 2019 to Spring 2020.

The goals for EMODnet Physics and CMEMS collaboration this year include:

• EMODnet Physics, CMEMS INSTAC and Data Ingestion will continue working together; within the common framework, to ensure continuous output for all parameters;
• EMODnet Physics are producing integrated data and data products on river run-off which could be an area for collaboration with CMEMS INSTAC;
• FAIRification: EMODnet Physics, CMEMS and SeaDataNet are working together to improve interoperability of data according to FAIR data principles, e.g., for HF Radar; and
• The EMOD-PACE (EMODnet Partnership for China and Europe) project also involves EMODnet thematic areas as well as CMEMS leading institutes and will help to drive forward interoperability of data according to common standards.

EMODnet Physics, CMEMS and SeaDataNet are working together in joint initiatives including:

• In the context of the ENVRI-FAIR project Marine Domain Implementation Plan. This will make data more findable and accessible and will improve the quality of the data for enhanced usability by third party users;
• To support GOOS asset mapping; and
• A ‘Fishing for Data workshop’ (webinar on 20 May 2020; Event to follow in Autumn 2020) with collaboration from EMODnet Physics, CMEMS, SeaDataNet, ICES and the Berring Data Collective.

A short discussion highlighted the following:

• Working on common vocabularies across disciplines (for easier usability);
• Identifying common use cases to develop together to show the benefit of EMODnet-CMEMS collaboration
• Establishing a common framework (e.g. calls and funds) for supporting joint service evolution and implementation (e.g. river outflow data management); and

CMEMS In-situ TAC and EMODnet Chemistry MoU : Status & Plans for 2020/2021

See .pdf presentation CMEMS in situ TAC and EMODnet Chemistry2020-04-20_cmems_emodnet-chemistry-v1.pdf

Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry) delivered a joint EMODnet-CMEMS presentation, on behalf of Sylvie Pouliquen (CMEMS INSTAC).

The presentation noted the MoU which had been signed in 2019 between EMODnet and CMEMS to formalize and strengthen the ongoing collaboration, including sharing of best practices. This was being taken forward to discuss opportunities for interoperable data and joint data products.

A meeting took place in February 2020 with the aim to present the collaborations to-date and identify ways to reduce duplication of work and streamline workflows. This led to an agreement for some parameters on a standard name, vocabularies and metadata, with APIs between infrastructures to facilitate the data exchange. Participants also shared expertise on QC procedures on oxygen, chlorophyll and carbon. A short discussion noted that:

• The data policies for CMEMS, EMODnet, and SeaDataNet are quite different and requires more discussion;
• The main goal of EMODnet Chemistry is to answer MSFD requests (in strong links with EEA); and
• EMODnet Chemistry and CMEMS are working towards a common portfolio of data and data products for MSFD.

• Action 6: CMEMS and EMODnet Chemistry to assess commonalities and differences in data policies with a view to strengthening interoperability (Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry) and Sylvie Pouliquen (CMEMS INSTAC), 4 September 2020)

A short discussion followed on ICES role in the field of Chemical Data and interactions with EMODnet and CMEMS. It was noted that ICES is a partner of EMODnet Chemistry. There is a provision of data to EEA since ICES is the thematic focal point for EEA for gathering data). EMODnet collaborates with ICES for various data and data products, including merging Marine Litter and Sea-Floor data litter from the ICES database. Contaminants would be looked at next.

Discussion on EMODnet Physics and Chemistry & CMEMS next steps: Pierre Yves-Traon (MOi) acknowledged that for Physics and Chemistry parameters the collaboration is going well with both EMODnet and CMEMS making the best use of the activities. He noted that it is essentialto share views on how this collaboration could evolve over the next 7 years, to consider for long-term planning of CMEMS and EMODnet. This will be considered at the next strategy meeting (early 2021, to be confirmed).

Building on the previous discussions, it was proposed to discuss further at management level the development of consistent data policies between CMEMS and EMODnet services, to allow better collaboration and interoperability. This would be taken forward at the next coordination meeting.

Future collaborations for data and data products and common applications

Joint MSFD portfolio for CMEMS and EMODnet Chemistry: EMODnet Chemistry and CMEMS delivered a joint presentation at a MSFD workshop organised by CMEMS in Autumn 2019 in Brussels. From this, a joint portfolio for CMEMS and EMODnet Chemistry of MSFD-relevant data and data products was in preparation, with a first draft already under construction gathering relevant products of both services for D5 (eutrophication) in the Baltic Sea. When ready, the draft portfolio (with an initial focus on data products) would be sent to the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EC DG ENV to provide feedback before advancing with other Descriptors.

• Action 7: Continue drafting a joint CMEMS-EMODnet MSFD catalogue with D5 products for the Baltic to be sent to EEA and DG-ENV for feedback (Alessandra Giorgetti (EMODnet Chemistry) & Dominique Obaton (CMEMS), 30 June 2020)

Joint MSP portfolio for CMEMS and EMODnet: Fabienne Jacq (DG DEFIS) proposed that a common portfolio could also be developed for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which was timely considering the national MSPs that need to be in place by Spring 2021. She proposed that satellite data (for modelling) could also brought in, as part of a comprehensive catalogue.

Laurence Crosnier (CMEMS/MOi) suggested that the joint MSP catalogue could be done the same way it was done for MSFD, to showcase that the two portfolios are complimentary. She also noted the upcoming MSP Thematic Working Group meeting on 23 April 2020, organized by DG MARE, noting this as an opportunity for further collaboration to advance CMEMS and EMODnet collaborations in this area.

Alessandro Pittito (EMODnet Human Activities) noted that MSP datasets are already within the existing EMODnet Human Activities contract, with a view to finding a consistent terminology for MSP plans. He explained that user statistics (from user registration forms) showed that some Planning Authorities are downloading data from EMODnet Human Activities whilst working on plans. It was noted that INSPIRE offers a lot of possibilities, so there is some effort to standardize and achieve more commonality across data and to reach a common description of MSP plans.

• Action 8: Develop a joint CMEMS-EMODnet MSP catalogue (Dominique Obaton (CMEMS) and Alessandro Pittito (EMODnet Human Activities), 31 December 2020)

Common use cases
It was proposed that common use cases between CMEMS and EMODnet would help to show the interoperability and added value of integrating EMODnet and CMEMS data and data products. As a first step, CMEMS proposed to gather uses cases with common users of the two services, in collaboration with EMODnet

• Action 9: First set of common CMEMS and EMODnet use cases gathering users of both services (Laurence Crosnier (CMEMS/MOi) and Julie Auerbach (EMODnet Secretariat), 30 September 2020)

Collaborative workshops and trainings (plans for 2020 & 2021)

Marine data for Aquaculture: CMEMS and EMODnet management explained they are co-organising a meeting with the European Aquaculture Technology Platform (EATiP) and the EC (DG MARE and DG DEFIS) on “Marine data for the Aquaculture sector in the NorthEast Atlantic)”. CMEMS and EMODnet are actively involved in the planning, including a briefing document that describes the complementarities between the two initiatives. The workshop had been postponed from May 2020 to October 2020 in Norway and would engage CMEMS and EMODnet thematic area experts, together with representatives from the Aquaculture sector. Planning was ongoing.

CMEMS and EMODnet Seabed Habitats: Mickaël Vasquez (EMODnet Seabed Habitats) noted that EMODnet Seabed Habitats already uses some CMEMS products and has started to provide feedback to CMEMS on products. A first remote meeting was held in February 2020, with a second meeting planned for 17 June 2020 to discuss the collaboration further and see how some products could be distributed one or another service. A report would be produced.

• Action 10: Report on second meeting on 17 June 2020 between CMEMS and EMODnet Seabed Habitats (Mickaël Vasquez (EMODnet Seabed Habitats), Dominique Obaton (CMEMS), 30 September 2020)

Meeting on coastal behaviour: Iain Shepherd (DG MARE) noted that a thematic meeting on “coastal behaviour” had been proposed to discuss EMODnet and CMEMS existing and future collaborations in this area This would involve many thematic areas of EMODnet and CMEMS, including land to sea interactions. The meeting would be planned to take place at the end of May or June 2020 (see Action 2 from Session 1).

Other operational collaborations and ways of building on the existing MoUs

DG DEFIS acknowledged there is a clear progress between the 2 services with some integrated portfolios, this needs to continue. It is important that EMODnet describes its plans for the future to have better understanding on the long-term vision allowing better alignment of implementation strategies.

DG MARE noted the next challenge is the coast and a joint technical meeting would help identify areas for EMODnet-CMEMS collaboration on data and data products.

CMEMS and EMODnet noted the following:

• There are several meetings this year or next year where we could find time to share information and improve collaboration (e.g. CMEMS general assembly)
• Rivers are a very important topic for CMEMS and EMODnet has a number of land-sea relevant data and data products including river run-off and shoreline migration

The upcoming joint meetings with EATiP, and the CMEMS GA in January 2020 and EMODnet Open Conference and Jamboree (September 2020) will be good opportunities for highlighting the complementarities of CMEMS and EMODnet

Annex I – List of participants

¹ participated in Session 1 only; ²participated in Session 2 only

Annex II: Agenda

Session 1

14:00-15:20 vision and strategy

• Digital Strategy, CMEMS & EMODnet Plans for the next MFF (45')
• Inter-DG alignment (DG MARE and DG DEFIS) (10')
• CMEMS plans for Copernicus 2 (10')
• EMODNet plans for the next MFF (10')
• Discussion (15')
• Last coordination meeting key actions and updates: 15'
• EOOS status and future plans : 10'
• EMODnet Open Conference 2020: Update and CMEMS input: 10'

Session 2

15:30-16:45 (75’) operational technical aspects: open to all EMODnet lots and CMEMS in-situ TAC

• Welcome and update by DG MARE & DG DEFIS (5’)
• CMEMS status and catalogue evolution (April 2020 update) 10'
• EMODnet status and portfolio evolution (April 2020 update) 10'
• CMEMS In-situ TAC and EMODnet Physics MoU: Status & Plans for 2020/2021 10'
• CMEMS In-situ TAC and EMODnet Chemistry MoU : Status & Plans for 2020/2021 10'
• Future collaborations for data and data products and common applications: 10'
• Collaborative workshops and trainings (plans for 2020 & 2021): 10'
• Other operational collaborations and ways of building on the existing MoUs : 5'
• Next meeting and AOB

Annex III: Open actions since April 2019 (ongoing)

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

Action 3: Promote collaboration & information sharing between both communities, via the web services, 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, communication activities and trainings.

Action 7: Communication: Maintain a list of events attended by CMEMS & EMODnet and share for joint events a standard PPT presentation (showing synergy and links).

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 networks.

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.

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.

Action 12: Explore CMEMS-MSFD workshop collaboration.