2016 SoE Marine Chapter - Case Study - National Marine Science Plan

The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Case Study "National Marine Science Plan". The full Case Study, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Case Study are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FOCUS OF THE CASE STUDY
The National Marine Science Plan (the Plan) is a decadal plan designed to focus investment on the biggest development and sustainability challenges facing Australia's marine estate, and the highest priority science needed to tackle these challenges to fulfill our blue economy’s potential.  The grand challenges are highly relevant to the State of Australia's Marine Environment, including energy security; food security; biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health; urban coastal environments; climate variability and change; and resource allocation.
The Plan was developed under the auspices of the National Marine Science Committee (NMSC), on which senior representatives of 23 research institutions, universities and government departments work together to plan, coordinate and communicate marine science and its application to national priorities. 
Over 500 marine scientists and stakeholders took part in the development of the Plan, beginning with the development of eight community white papers.  The white paper process involved stakeholders from the different marine science sectors working to identify the science required to address grand challenges. The white papers were presented and discussed at a National Marine Science Symposium in November 2014, followed by two further rounds of consultation. The finalised Plan brings together the highest priority science and science capabilities (skills, infrastructure and relationships) to meet a cross-section of challenges areas in an integrated and strategic manner. 
ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE
To focus the coordination efforts and investments, the Plan sets out eight high level recommendations.  

Create an explicit focus on the blue economy throughout the marine science system.
Establish and support a National Marine Baselines and Long-term Monitoring Program to develop a comprehensive assessment of our estate, and to help manage Commonwealth and State Marine Reserve networks.
Facilitate coordinated national studies on marine ecosystem processes and resilience to enable understanding of the impacts of development (urban, industrial and agricultural) and climate change on our marine estate.
Create a National Oceanographic Modelling System to supply defence, industry and government with accurate, detailed knowledge and predictions of ocean state to support decision-making by policymakers and marine industry.
Develop a dedicated and coordinated science program to support decision-making by policymakers and marine industry.
Sustain and expand the Integrated Marine Observing System to support critical climate change and coastal systems research, including coverage of key estuarine systems.
Develop marine science research training that is more quantitative, cross-disciplinary and congruent with industry and government needs.
Fund national research vessels for full use.

All of these recommendations will improve the national capacity to provide evidence-based assessments on the state of Australia’s vast and valuable marine environment.
DATA STREAM(S) USED IN CASE STUDY
Synopsis of the National Marine Science Plan.

Tags: Blue Economy, case study, expert assessment, planning and management
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network