Citizens in countries surrounding the Baltic Sea would be willing to contribute financially towards long-term management of eutrophication, according to a recent study. Furthermore, most would like to see the Baltic Sea managed as a single whole, rather than only improving their local coastal area. 

Read the full article here.

The fourth glider mission under JERICO TNA started on September 15th, 2014, with a deep glider mission from Mallorca to Algiers, to monitor the eastward flow of Modified Atlantic Water. During approximately 24 days, the glider will cover a round-trip distance of about 500 Km, acquiring profiles of oceanographic data from the surface down to about 950 m. 

Read the full article here. For more information explore their educational website follow the glider.

COMMON SENSE will attend the forthcoming ASLO 2015 Aquatic Sciences Meeting, presenting in session 137 - Next Generation In Situ Sensors for Aquatic Systems. 

Recent advances in sensing technologies, observations systems and analyses through miniaturization, improved sensors and advances in on-board and external data processes offer significant opportunities for a new generation of capabilities. Aquatic sensors use a range of techniques from optical (e.g. optical fibers, hyperspectral imaging, optodes, spectroscopy), wet chemical, electrochemical, biosensors, and to acoustics. Measurements include physical properties (e.g., T, S), nutrients, trace metals, carbonate, pCO2, pH, oxygen, gas fluxes, organics and biological properties. In addition, challenges common to all sensor development such as their integration onto multiple platforms and instruments (observatories, autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles) and biofouling must be addressed. This session will present some of the latest developments in this important field combining technology, engineering, chemistry, biology and physics. 

The meeting will be held on 22-27 February 2015 in Granada, Spain and is still accepting abstract submissions. If you would like to attend or submit an abstract you can find out more information here. 

The European Commission welcomed today's vote of the European Parliament on the Copernicus Regulation.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said: “Space is a priority for the Union; the budget for both European flagship space programmes, Copernicus and Galileo, for the next seven years is secured. Almost €12 billion will be invested in space technologies. It is my priority to make sure that this budget will multiply the benefits that European citizens will reap from our space programmes."

Copernicus, the EU's Earth Observation Programme, will ensure the regular observation and monitoring of Earth sub-systems, the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces, and will provide reliable, validated and guaranteed information in support of a broad range of environmental and security applications and decisions. Today's vote marks a major milestone for Copernicus. Indeed, the adoption of the Regulation paves the way for the continuous development of the programme. This text, which still needs to be adopted by the Council, defines Copernicus objectives, governance and funding (some € 4.3 billion euros) for the period 2014-2020.

Launch of first Copernicus satellite in April

The Copernicus programme is entering the operational phase after years of preparation. The next step is the launch of the first Copernicus satellite, Sentinel-1, beginning of April from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guyana.

Copernicus will provide Earth observation data

Copernicus will support the vital tasks of monitoring our environment and security by providing Earth observation data. The data provided by this satellite will enable considerable progress in improving maritime security, climate change monitoring and providing support in emergency and crisis situations.

Copernicus opens up business opportunities

Copernicus will also help Europe's enterprises creating new jobs and business opportunities, namely services for environmental data production and dissemination, as well as the space industry. Indirectly, a variety of other economic segments will see the advantages of accurate and reliable earth observation data, such as transport, oil and gas, insurance and agriculture.

Studies show that Copernicus could generate a financial benefit of some € 30 billion and create around 50.000 jobs in Europe by 2030. Moreover, the open dissemination regime for Copernicus data and service information will help citizens, businesses, researchers and policy makers to integrate an environmental dimension into all their activities and decision-making procedures.

Space activities foster already today the development of a market for satellite-enabled products and services, providing the highly qualified jobs which our industry will need in order to thrive now and in the future.

For more information

IP/14/78 Eurobarometer on Europeans' attitudes to Space Activities

http://copernicus.eu

Copernicus on Europa