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Call for marine science agency
01 Dec 2007
MARINE SCIENCE: The House of Commons Science & Technology Committee, in its report Investigating the Oceans, has repeated the conclusions of a similar report in 1986 that marine science and technology in the UK is fragmented, poorly co-ordinated and underfunded, writes Stuart Fisher.
The committee calls for a new marine science agency to co-ordinate marine science, promote it to schools and colleges, tackle skills shortages and handle direct funding where appropriate.
It also calls for a new Natural Environment Research Council vessel for coastal research as there is presently insufficient research vessel capacity.
Concern is expressed over the place of science in the proposed Marine Bill and the ability of the Department for Food, Environment & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ability to deliver what is required.
A minister should be designated within DEFRA to implement marine science strategy as part of a wider national plan for the oceans.
