TransEurope Marinas members joined a scoping workshop in Venezia Certosa Marina earlier this month, to discuss a possible new JPI Oceans Joint Action that seeks to connect marinas with ocean science.
An international group of some 20 individuals from European Boating Industry (EBI), Blue Flag, TransEurope Marinas, Greek, German and Italian oceanography and research institutes and local conservation groups and consultancies, met on Certosa Island in Venice for a full day of presentations and discussions.
The workshop discussed how JPI Oceans could help integrate marinas within ocean observing efforts, thereby also driving sustainable practices, technological innovation, and community engagement.
This collaborative endeavour marks a significant step towards integrating marinas into the broader ocean observation network, promoting sustainability, and fostering a stronger community connection to the sea.
The case was made that the over 6000 coastal marinas and 6 million boats in Europe are an largely untapped infrastructure resource, with significant potential for contributing to marine knowledge and understanding. Marinas could, in particular, contribute to a better monitoring of coastal sea regions, where remote sensing has significant limitations. In turn, effective and acknowledged engagement in research and sustainability can benefit marina businesses. A JPI Oceans Joint Action design can therefore create win-win opportunities between marine research and marina industry.
The meeting was generously hosted by Alberto Sonino and his team from Venezia Certosa Marina and the group enjoyed a guided tour around the beautiful island, which features a 400-berth marina surrounded by parkland. Certosa Island, which for centuries housed a monastery, has undergone significant restoration works to decontaminate subsequent use as a military base and munitions factory. Facilities now include an elegant waterside restaurant and bar, a boatyard, maintenance services and a traditional boat-builder, together with attractive meeting and conference rooms.
The workshop generated some productive discussion and converged successfully on potential initiatives. Over the coming months, these will be incorporated into a concept note for decision by JPI Oceans’ next Management Board meeting in late October.