Work Scope
PERSEUS consists of TEN, interconnected Work Packages that address the diverse objectives of the Project and represent an integrated cluster scheme.
PERSEUS OBJECTIVES:
- IDENTIFY the interacting patterns of anthropogenic and natural pressures on the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
- ASSESS the dual impact of these pressures on marine ecosystems.
- DESIGN an effective and innovative research governance framework, based on sound, scientific knowledge, according to the principles of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Work Scope on Project Management (WP10)
“PERSEUS is a large, ambitious project that addresses collectively, and in a coordinated manner, issues of science and policy to combat marine ecosystem degradation through a framework of adaptive policies for both EU and non-EU countries”.
Dr. Evangelos Papathanassiou, Project Coordinator and Work Package Leader No. 10, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
Work Package 10 will provide effective and comprehensive project management through the Coordinator and the Management Office (MO). All information on WP 10 can be found on Management Structure.
Work Scope on Pressures and Impacts at Basin and Sub-basin Scale (WP1)
Work Package 1 will identify the links between pressures and their effects on the marine ecosystems of the Southern European Seas. The methods used will include data analyses, process studies (experiments and modelling) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) techniques combined with numerical analysis.
Study areas are designed to determine the mechanisms by which human-induced and natural pressures impact the ecosystems at basin and sub-basin scale. To trace the paths from pressures to impacts, experiments and modeling approaches will indicate and document leading influences of key elements on the functioning of ecosystem in each basin or sub-basin, or on the system as a whole.
The effects of these pressures will be analyzed and assessed in socioeconomic terms.
Work Scope on Pressures and Impacts at coastal level (WP2)
The goals of Work Package 2 are to better characterize the pressures on the coastal areas (depth of 0 to 200 meters) of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, fill the knowledge gaps of the processes whereby human activities induce changes in the marine ecosystems and to assess the impact through socioeconomic analysis.
Work Scope on Basin-wide promotion of MSFD principles (WP5)
WP5 will identify, develop and promote tools and methods for assessing environmental status across the SES basins with emphasis on non-EU countries, in accordance with the principles and objectives of the MSFD. State-of-the-art methodology will facilitate basin-wide promotion of the MSFD and foster a common understanding and joint approach to ensure coherence and consistency throughout the SES. WP5, together with WP6, will provide decision makers with the necessary scientific knowledge for setting common environmental goals for SES ecosystems.
Work Scope on Adaptive policies and scenarios (WP6)
Work Package 6 will develop an Adaptive Policy Framework (APF) for future implementation of adaptive policies and management schemes for promoting better governance across the SES. The APF will be developed and tested on the four PERSEUS Pilot Cases and then applied across the entire SES basin. The APF includes both the PERSEUS APF Tool Box and the Stakeholder Platforms. The PERSEUS APF Tool Box is a framework of scenario-based, adaptive policies and management schemes, which outlines present and future pressures in socio-economic terms, to facilitate ranking in relation to vulnerable marine sectors/groups/regions.
The Stakeholder Platforms will include a network of relevant experts and decision-makers who will be involved from the onset offering opinions and to suggest priorities for integrated policy-making.
Work Scope on Upgrade-expand the existing observational systems and fill short term gaps (WP3)
The purpose of Work Package 3 is to upgrade and expand the present observing capacity in the SES towards the fulfilment of the scientific and society needs with emphasis on the characterisation of present state, and to increase forecasting capabilities for the implementation of MSFD.
The rationale behind the PERSEUS Observing Systems, and therefore its underlying strategy, entails the “enhancement, extension, and harmonization of multi-platform distributed and integrated existing observing systems” that monitor basin, sub-basin and local scales, for long-term periods, that will contribute to filling short-term data gaps with respect to key processes, and providing free streams of oceanographic data.
Towards this goal, WP3 will combine Observing Systems at different scales (basin, sub-basin, local) using different platforms (profilers & drifters, moorings, gliders and research vessels) to carry out sustained monitoring (SM) and specific Intensive Observation Experiments (IOP) that will be integrated through modelling and data management. This process will also establish unified quality control procedures and assure data availability through clear and strong commitment from all PERSEUS partners.
Work Scope on Developing integrated tools for environmental assessment (WP4)
Work Package 4 aims to develop scientific tools to evaluate the environmental status of the SES using existing and upgraded modelling and remotely operated monitoring capabilities. The new tools are expected to contribute to the MSFD and to the implementation of science-based management towards achieving Good Environmental Status (GES). WP4 activities are based on two broad conceptual approaches: (i) establishing modelling systems in an “Ecosystem end to end” (E2E) perspective; and (ii) addressing the basin and the coastal scale using both the E2E models and upgraded remote sensing capabilities. These techniques will be used on a time span covering the first two decades of the 21st century, as suggested by MSFD, to: assess models skill trough validation procedures against available reference observations; provide synthetic indices that can indicate the “state” of the environment; and provide an integrated analysis of ecosystem attributes (vigor, organisation, resilience) providing criteria relevant to the MSFD descriptors as indicated in the EU directive on “Good Environmental Status”.
Work Scope on Concept of an innovative research vessel (WP7)
Work Package 7 will create the concept of a small research vessel for scientific and operational purposes in coastal areas, estuaries, ports and navigation channels; areas which are difficult to access. The vessel will provide a wide range of operational capabilities including accurate and efficient surveying in shallow waters.
Vessel innovation includes precise dynamic positioning and novel propulsion systems.
Work Scope on Training and Capacity Building (WP8)
Work Package 8 aims to create training opportunities for the existing RTD network in the Mediterranean and Black Seas covering specific areas, such as ecosystem modelling, monitoring and environmental assessment. Further, emphasis is placed on training scientists and technicians through the transfer of knowledge and skills to best apply MSFD principles. An additional activity is to increase capacity building of scientific personnel using a “training visit” scheme among partners. Training activities include summer schools, training courses for scientists, as well as Stakeholders and training visit schemes throughout the four year Project duration.
Work Scope on Communications and Outreach Activities (WP9)
PERSEUS is a well-rounded communications programme aimed at sharing Project results and capabilities with all Stakeholders: scientists, policymakers, the Media/Advocacy and the general public. It is the first, wide-scale, outreach programme incorporated into the framework of a research project from initial stages.
The communications programme includes traditional tools, such as Internet-centric promotion, audio visual materials and social networks. Innovative outreach activities include “Citizen Scientist” programmes, such as “Jellyfish Spotting,” where concerned citizens are asked to spot jellyfish at the beach and submit photos to a scientific database to help the scientific community in gathering research. Targeted communications to policy-makers, the Media and the general public translates highly specialized scientific information into meaningful communications targeted to each group.
The Cluster Scheme is an effective, integrated approach for achieving PERSEUS objectives, which ensures the sequential and timely flow of new knowledge among the four work clusters.
The four work clusters include the following Work Packages: “Knowledge” (WP1 and WP2) and “Tools” (WP3, WP4 and WP7) clusters are the core areas where the scientific and technological work is conducted. These clusters will deliver results (integrated new knowledge, new data, and new methods) to the “Policy” cluster (WP5 and WP6) which is central to PERSEUS and the main driver for promoting the implementation of the MSFD and developing the Framework of Adaptive Policies. Results are disseminated to “User” (training and outreach) cluster (WP8 and WP9), responsible for interaction with Shareholders through capacity -building activities, including training and knowledge transfer, and communications /outreach activities. WP10 provides effective and comprehensive project coordination and management.
Work Package 1 will identify the links between pressures and their effects on the marine ecosystems of the Southern European Seas. The methods used will include data analyses, process studies (experiments and modelling) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) techniques combined with numerical analysis.
Study areas are designed to determine the mechanisms by which human-induced and natural pressures impact the ecosystems at basin and sub-basin scale. To trace the paths from pressures to impacts, experiments and modeling approaches will indicate and document leading influences of key elements on the functioning of ecosystem in each basin or sub-basin, or on the system as a whole.
The effects of these pressures will be analyzed and assessed in socioeconomic terms.
The goals of Work Package 2 are to better characterize the pressures on the coastal areas (depth of 0 to 200 meters) of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, fill the knowledge gaps of the processes whereby human activities induce changes in the marine ecosystems and to assess the impact through socioeconomic analysis.
The purpose of Work Package 3 is to upgrade and expand the present observing capacity in the SES towards the fulfilment of the scientific and society needs with emphasis on the characterisation of present state, and to increase forecasting capabilities for the implementation of MSFD.
The rationale behind the PERSEUS Observing Systems, and therefore its underlying strategy, entails the “enhancement, extension, and harmonization of multi-platform distributed and integrated existing observing systems” that monitor basin, sub-basin and local scales, for long-term periods, that will contribute to filling short-term data gaps with respect to key processes, and providing free streams of oceanographic data.
Towards this goal, WP3 will combine Observing Systems at different scales (basin, sub-basin, local) using different platforms (profilers & drifters, moorings, gliders and research vessels) to carry out sustained monitoring (SM) and specific Intensive Observation Experiments (IOP) that will be integrated through modelling and data management. This process will also establish unified quality control procedures and assure data availability through clear and strong commitment from all PERSEUS partners.
Work Package 4 aims to develop scientific tools to evaluate the environmental status of the SES using existing and upgraded modelling and remotely operated monitoring capabilities. The new tools are expected to contribute to the MSFD and to the implementation of science-based management towards achieving Good Environmental Status (GES). WP4 activities are based on two broad conceptual approaches: (i) establishing modelling systems in an “Ecosystem end to end” (E2E) perspective; and (ii) addressing the basin and the coastal scale using both the E2E models and upgraded remote sensing capabilities. These techniques will be used on a time span covering the first two decades of the 21st century, as suggested by MSFD, to: assess models skill trough validation procedures against available reference observations; provide synthetic indices that can indicate the “state” of the environment; and provide an integrated analysis of ecosystem attributes (vigor, organisation, resilience) providing criteria relevant to the MSFD descriptors as indicated in the EU directive on “Good Environmental Status”.
WP5 will identify, develop and promote tools and methods for assessing environmental status across the SES basins with emphasis on non-EU countries, in accordance with the principles and objectives of the MSFD. State-of-the-art methodology will facilitate basin-wide promotion of the MSFD and foster a common understanding and joint approach to ensure coherence and consistency throughout the SES. WP5, together with WP6, will provide decision makers with the necessary scientific knowledge for setting common environmental goals for SES ecosystems.
Work Package 6 will develop an Adaptive Policy Framework (APF) for future implementation of adaptive policies and management schemes for promoting better governance across the SES. The APF will be developed and tested on the four PERSEUS Pilot Cases and then applied across the entire SES basin. The APF includes both the PERSEUS APF Tool Box and the Stakeholder Platforms. The PERSEUS APF Tool Box is a framework of scenario-based, adaptive policies and management schemes, which outlines present and future pressures in socio-economic terms, to facilitate ranking in relation to vulnerable marine sectors/groups/regions.
The Stakeholder Platforms will include a network of relevant experts and decision-makers who will be involved from the onset offering opinions and to suggest priorities for integrated policy-making.
Work Package 7 will create the concept of a small research vessel for scientific and operational purposes in coastal areas, estuaries, ports and navigation channels; areas which are difficult to access. The vessel will provide a wide range of operational capabilities including accurate and efficient surveying in shallow waters.
Vessel innovation includes precise dynamic positioning and novel propulsion systems.
Work Package 8 aims to create training opportunities for the existing RTD network in the Mediterranean and Black Seas covering specific areas, such as ecosystem modelling, monitoring and environmental assessment. Further, emphasis is placed on training scientists and technicians through the transfer of knowledge and skills to best apply MSFD principles. An additional activity is to increase capacity building of scientific personnel using a “training visit” scheme among partners. Training activities include summer schools, training courses for scientists, as well as Stakeholders and training visit schemes throughout the four year Project duration.
PERSEUS is a well-rounded communications programme aimed at sharing Project results and capabilities with all Stakeholders: scientists, policymakers, the Media/Advocacy and the general public. It is the first, wide-scale, outreach programme incorporated into the framework of a research project from initial stages.
The communications programme includes traditional tools, such as Internet-centric promotion, audio visual materials and social networks. Innovative outreach activities include “Citizen Scientist” programmes, such as “Jellyfish Spotting,” where concerned citizens are asked to spot jellyfish at the beach and submit photos to a scientific database to help the scientific community in gathering research. Targeted communications to policy-makers, the Media and the general public translates highly specialized scientific information into meaningful communications targeted to each group.
“PERSEUS is a large, ambitious project that addresses collectively, and in a coordinated manner, issues of science and policy to combat marine ecosystem degradation through a framework of adaptive policies for both EU and non-EU countries”.
Dr. Evangelos Papathanassiou, Project Coordinator and Work Package Leader No. 10, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
Work Package 10 will provide effective and comprehensive project management through the Coordinator and the Management Office (MO). All information on WP 10 can be found on Management Structure.
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