Research and innovation help us
- Preserve and restore the marine environment, for example by finding ways to reduce pollution
- Manage the ocean resources sustainably
- Adapt to the consequences of climate change (rise of sea levels, migration of fish stocks, extreme weather conditions, etc.)
- Use the ocean to produce renewable energy (for example wave, currents or tidal energy)
- Develop the blue economy in the EU, supporting innovative businesses in a wide variety of sectors (marine renewable energy, algae, shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, etc.)
The EU provides funding to research and innovation projects on the ocean through Horizon Europe and other funding programmes such as the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Since 2021, the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters by 2030, notably through research and innovation.
Marine observation and data
Marine observation involves measuring the state and behaviour of the ocean and marine life. This includes using instruments on platforms in the ocean and seas and analysing sea samples in labs. The data obtained from these observations is essential for understanding the ocean.
Different countries' waters are linked by winds, currents, and migrating species. Observations from inside and outside an area are needed to understand what is happening in the sea.
The EU has created European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet), bringing together over 100 organisations to provide marine data under FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable Reusable) principles. EMODnet's reports show a wide range of uses for marine data. Data is used by public authorities, private organisations, researchers and the civil society.