Why is the Commission defining a European Strategy for Marine and Maritime research?
First, in the context of global economic growth, human activities are exerting environmental pressure on oceans and seas which is threatening marine ecology and a sustainable exploitation of marine environments. It is therefore vital to reconcile the promotion of sustainable economic growth in sea-based activities with environmental preservation. Science and technology have a key role to play in this process. Second, the engagement of stakeholders in the marine and maritime sectors in the process leading to the adoption by the Commission of the “Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union” in October 2007 has encouraged marine and maritime communities to join forces and work together. Several ad hoc partnerships have developed (such as the one which focussed on the preparation of the “Aberdeen Declaration”. This called, in June 2007, for more direct actions to promote greater integration among marine and maritime stakeholders, to reduce fragmentation and to allocate available res
