Monday, November 26, 2007

Better Ocean monitoring 'vital'

Warming seas, over fishing and pollution mean it is vital to improve the system for monitoring the world's oceans, says a group of distinguished scientists.

More data is needed to ensure the world is able to respond effectively to any potential threats, say the researchers. An "adequate initial system" would include an integrated network of buoys, research vessels, satellites and tagging marine animals. The scientists want the global scheme to be completed within the next decade. The call for action has been made by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (Pogo), which includes many of the world's leading oceanographic research centres. A delegation of Pogo members will make their case at the annual ministerial meeting of the international Group on Earth Observations (Geo) in Cape Town, South Africa. The Pogo delegation will present its case on Friday to the GEO ministerial meeting, which will review progress on the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and agree a roadmap for the coming decade.

Read More

No comments: