Integrated marine science in European shelf seas and adjacent waters

The European Shelf sea Integrated Project (ESIP) and Integrated infraStructure for European Research Area in Marine Science (SERAM) are two proposed integration activities to establish an integrated, world-leading operational modelling and observing system in European shelf seas and adjacent waters. The ESIP-SERAM system is constituted by an integrated next generation operational modelling system, supported by an integrated marine observing system, a data exchange system, distributed data centres and a service system. It will serve as an efficient tool to transfer state-of-the-art marine science and technology into valuable information products for end-users, especially for: 1. operational agencies with value added forecast products and new forecasting capabilities 2. environmental monitoring agencies with optimised monitoring strategies. 3. regional environmental protection organisations such as HELCOM and OSPARCOM with high quality and fast delivered environmental indicators (rapid environment assessment) 4. GMES with a full set of operational (near) real-time in situ marine observations in major parts of the marine Economic Exploration Zone in 15 countries (9 EU member countries and 6 associated countries) 5. being an integrated infrastructure basis for European Research Area in marine science.