No C 321/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 12.90 
Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific research and technological 
development programme in the field of marine science and technology 
(1991 to 1994) 
COM(90) 574 — SYN 264 
(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 149 (3) of the EEC Treaty on 30 November 
1990) 
(90/C 321/03) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 130q (2) 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
In cooperation with the European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 
Whereas by its Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC (!), the 
Council adopted a third framework programme for 
Community activities in the field of research and techno­
logical development (1990 to 1994), specifying inter alia 
the activities to be pursued for developing the scientific 
knowledge and technical know-how needed by the 
Community in particular to carry out its role relating to 
the environment, especially in marine science and tech­
nology; whereas this Decision should be taken in the 
light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that 
Decision; 
Whereas Article 130k of the Treaty stipulates that the 
framework programme is to be implemented through 
specific programmes developed within each activity; 
Whereas an estimate should be made of the amount of 
Community financial resources needed to carry out this 
specific programme; whereas the definitive amounts will 
be fixed by the budgetary authority in line with the 
financial perspectives covering the period 1988 to 1992 
included in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 29 June 
1988 (2) and with any future financial perspectives 
covering the period 1993 to 1994; 
(') OJ No L 117, 8. 5. 1990, p. 28. 
(2) OJ No L 185, 15. 7. 1988, p. 33. Whereas fundamental research must be specifically 
encouraged Community-wide in each of the strategic 
research sectors of the framework programme; 
Whereas in addition to the specific programme on 
human capital and mobility, training of researchers in 
each of the strategic research sectors of the framework 
programme must be ensured; 
Whereas the social, human and environmental impact of 
the programme must be assessed by an independent 
panel, and technology and risk assessment undertaken; 
Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 and Annex I of Decision 
90/221/Euratom, EEC, the amount deemed necessary 
for the whole framework programme includes an amount 
of ECU 57 million for the centralized dissemination and 
exploitation of results, to be divided up in proportion to 
the amount envisaged for each activity; whereas in view 
of the importance of this specific programme within the 
'Environment' action the estimate of the financial 
resources needed by this programme is to be reduced by 
ECU 1,04 million, which amount is to be allocated to 
the centralized activities, in order to comply with the 
second sentence of Article 130p (2) of the Treaty; 
Whereas this programme must be implemented by the 
Commission; whereas to help accomplish this, the 
Member States are bound, pursuant to Article 5 of the 
Treaty, to facilitate the achievement of its tasks where 
necessary, notably within a committee; 
Whereas this programme must be implemented essen­
tially by the selection of research and development 
projects to enable them to benefit from Community 
participation; whereas the Commission should encourage 
the submission of such projects by the usual means of 
publishing calls for proposals in the Official Journal; 
whereas an exceptional procedure should also be devised 
to come into effect between calls for proposals, so as to 
maintain a degree of flexibility enabling the Commission, 
in the face of the continuous evolution and gradual 
acceleration of technological progress, also to take into 
consideration spontaneous proposals consistent with the 
21. 12.90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 321/9 
objectives of the programme; 
Whereas the projects to be carried out under the 
programme must be selected with special attention to the 
principle of economic and social cohesion in the 
Community, the transnational nature of the projects and 
the support to be given to small and medium-sized enter­
prises; 
Whereas it is only in the light of experience gathered in 
the course of this programme that the Commission will 
be able to propose and the Council to adopt 
supplementary programmes by having recourse to the 
means provided for in Articles 1301, 130m or 130o of the 
Treaty, if they contribute to the achievement of the 
programme's objectives, in accordance with the option 
made available by Article 2 (2) of Decision 
90/221 /Euratom, EEC; 
Whereas, in accordance with Article 130g of the Treaty, 
the Community's activities aimed at strengthening the 
scientific and technological basis of European industry 
and encouraging it to become more competitive include 
promoting cooperation on research and technological 
development with third countries and international 
organizations; whereas such cooperation may prove 
particularly beneficial to the development of this 
programme; 
Whereas it is necessary to acquire a good knowledge 
base and reliable forecasting techniques in order to work 
out long-term management and protection strategies for 
the marine environment, as envisaged in Annex II to 
Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC; 
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research 
Committee (Crest) has been consulted, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
A specific research and technological development 
programme for the European Economic Community in 
the field of marine science and technology, as defined in 
Annex I, is hereby adopted for the period from the date 
of publication of this decision in the Official Journal of 
the European Communities to 31 December 1994. 
Article 2 
1. The Community funds estimated as necessary for 
the execution of the programme under this Decision 
amount to ECU 104 million. Of this amount ECU 1,04 
million is drawn for the centralized dissemination and 
exploitation of results. The amount thus reduced to ECU 
102,96 million includes staff costs which may not exceed 
5 %. An indicative breakdown of expenditure is set out 
in Annex II. This programme is not intended to replace but to 
complement the preceding programme. 
2. Should the Council take a decision in implemen­
tation of Article 1 (4) of Decision 90/221/Euratom, 
EEC, this Decision shall be adapted to take account of 
the abovementioned decision. 
3. The budgetary authority shall decide on the appro­
priations available for each financial year. 
Article 3 
Rules for the implementation of the programme are set 
out in Annex III. 
Article 4 
The rate of the Community financial contribution shall 
be laid down in accordance with Annex IV to Decision 
90/221/Euratom, EEC. 
Article 5 
1. During 1992 the Commission shall review the 
programme and address a report on the results of the 
review to the Council and the European Parliament, 
together with proposals for any necessary changes. 
2. At the end of the programme the Commission shall 
assess the results obtained. It shall address a report 
thereon to the Council and to the European Parliament. 
3. The reports shall be drawn up having regard to the 
objectives set out in Annex I to this Decision and in 
accordance with Article 2 (4) of Decision 
90/221/Euratom, EEC, and shall assess the coherence of 
the programme's measurable implementation with the six 
major concerns set out in Annex II of Decision 
90/221/Euratom, EEC C). 
Article 6 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
execution of the programme. It shall be assisted by a 
committee, hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee', 
composed of representatives of the Member States and 
chaired by a representative of the Commission. 
O OJ No L 177, 8. 5. 1990. 
No C 321/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 12.90 
2. The contracts concluded by the Commission shall 
govern the rights and obligations of each party, 
including the procedures for disseminating, protecting 
and exploiting the research results, in accordance with 
the arrangements adopted pursuant to the second 
paragraph of Article 130k of the Treaty, and, where 
appropriate, procedures for training and evaluation. 
3. A work programme shall be drawn up at the start 
of the programme and shall be regularly revised. It shall 
set out the detailed objectives and types of projects to be 
undertaken, and the financial arrangements to be made 
for them. The Commission shall make calls for proposals 
for projects on the basis of the work programme. 
Article 7 
1. In the cases envisaged in Article 8 (1), the 
Commission representative shall submit to the 
Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The 
Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a 
time limit which the chairman may set according to the 
urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by 
qualified majority as provided for in Article 148 (2) of 
the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is 
required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. 
The votes of the Member States' representatives within 
the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in 
that Article. The chairman shall not vote. 
2. The Commission shall adopt the measures 
envisaged where they are in accordance with the 
Committee's opinion. 
3. If the measures envisaged are not in accordance 
with the Committee's opinion, or if no opinion is 
delivered, the Commission shall forthwith submit to the 
Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. 
The Council shall act by a qualified majority. 
4. If the Council has not acted within one month of 
submission of the proposal, the proposed measures shall 
be adopted by the Commission. 
Article 8 
1. The procedure laid down in Article 7 shall apply 
to: 
— the preparation and updating of the work 
programmes referred to in Article 6 (3), 
— evaluation of the projects referred to in point 2 of 
Annex III, as well as the estimated amount of the 
Community's financial contribution when these 
projects are submitted through the ordinary 
procedure referred to in point 4 of Annex III and the 
abovementioned amount is more than ECU 5 million, — evaluation of all projects submitted through the 
exceptional procedure referred to in point 4 of Annex 
III, as well as the estimated amount of the 
Community's financial contribution, 
— measures for evaluating the programme. 
2. The Commission may consult the Committee on 
any matter falling within the scope of the programme. 
3. The Commission shall inform the Committee with 
regard to: 
— the progress of the programme, 
— planned calls for proposals, referred to in Article 
6(3), 
— projects, referred to in point 2 of Annex III, 
submitted through the ordinary procedure, for which 
the Community contribution is less than ECU 5 
million, and the results of their evaluation; 
— accompanying measures, referred to in point 2 of 
Annex III, 
— concerted actions, referred to in point 2 of Annex III. 
Article 9 
In implementing this programme, supplementary 
programmes within the meaning of Article 1301, partici­
pation within the meaning of Article 130m and joint 
undertakings or any other structures within the meaning 
of Article 130o of the Treaty may also be decided on as 
the need arises. 
Article 10 
Where cooperation with third countries and international 
organizations aiming at achieving the objectives of this 
programme requires legal undertakings between the 
Community and the third parties concerned, the 
Commission shall be authorized to negotiate, in 
accordance with Article 130n of the Treaty, international 
agreements laying down the terms of such cooperation. 
Priority will also be given to cooperation with EFTA 
countries groupings and other European countries not 
members of the European Community and in accordance 
with the guidelines agreed between the Council and the 
European Parliament during the conciliation procedure 
which had preceded the adoption of the third framework 
programme. 
21. 12. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 321/11 
The negotiations for such international agreements may Decisions on the conclusion of such agreements shall be 
only be initiated with third countries which are already adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in 
signatories of a Cooperation Agreement with the Article 130q (2) of the Treaty. 
Community which explicitly cites research and techno­
logical development or scientific progress as one of the Article 11 
objectives of cooperation. _,._.. . . . . . , _ , _ 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
ANNEX I 
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT 
This specific programme fully reflects the approach embodied in the third framework programme in terms 
of the scientific and technical goals and the underlying aims which it pursues. 
Paragraph 3c of Annex II of the framework programme forms an integral part of the present specific 
programme. 
The intention is to develop certain activities begun under the MAST pilot programme (1989 to 1992), to 
introduce new topics and expand the geographical coverage to take in the north Atlantic, the epicon­
tinental seas and the Arctic seas, even if it is necessary to step up previous action in the Mediterranean. 
The following presents an analytical description of the content of the programme, based on and taking 
account of the above elements. 
Area 1 
Marine Science 
Multidisciplinary research will be carried out on processes and fluxes, using mathematical modelling where 
necessary. 
Detailed and expanded studies of ocean circulation systems and dynamics of water masses will be carried 
out in order to determine the water movement and physical processes in European seas and adjacent 
oceans. Special attention will be paid to the shelf edge and to the intertidal zone. The influence of sea ice 
on deep water formation and on ocean circulation will be studied, as will the effect of the possible melting 
of ice due to the greenhouse effect on the rise in the sea level, (in connection with the STEP/Epoch 
programme). 
Research will be continued and further work will be carried out on biogeochemical processes, in particular 
to understand and quantify the fluxes of carbon and other elements in the sea. Hydrothermal activity is 
also included as well as the global carbon cycle in coastal, continental, and deep seas. 
Studies will be undertaken to evaluate rates of exchange of substances at interactive sites (e.g. various 
interfaces: land-sea, air-sea, sea floor-water column, etc.), particularly during bad weather conditions. 
Since the fact that oceans absorb C02 is a major factor in assessing the dynamics of the greenhouse effect, 
research will be carried out in order to improve understanding of how C02 is absorbed by oceans. 
No C 321/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 12.90 
Research will be aimed at deriving mathematical expressions and reliable models for biological processes 
and ecosystems, but not under any cirumstances to the exclusion of the so-called 'chaotic' or 'neutral' 
models. All variations of whatever magnitude will be taken into account. Particular attention will be given 
to projects which examine the link between physico-chemical influences and the corresponding biological 
responses at all trophic levels. 
Research in marine geosciences will be expanded to include stratigraphy and geophysics as well as 
addressing specific problems relating to the behaviour of sediments in various marine situations, (e.g. shelf, 
slope and deep sea). Investigations of the geological record and geophysical properties of deep-sea 
sediments are required to contribute to global change research and to assess the appropriate use of the sea 
floor. 
Modelling will be used in the study of marine processes and will include validation, calibration, and 
assessment of boundary conditions at various time scales. Development and improvement of models of 
ecosystems will be a particular priority. 
These activities will involve the Community in on-going international programmes (e.g. World Ocean 
Circulation Experiment, Joint Global Ocean Flux Studies, International Geosphere-Biosphere Programm, 
etc.), and will contribute to their long-term objectives. Work in this area will be carried out in cooperation 
with related Community programmes on the marine environment (e.g. STEP, Epoch, FAR, and JRC 
actions) and, possibly, renewable energy sources (tides, waves, etc.), aquaculture and fisheries (FAR). In 
marine geosciences, complementarity with the ocean drilling programme will be sought where necessary in 
order to avoid any overlap of work. 
Area 2 
Coastal Engineering 
The objectives, which build on projects in the MAST 1989 to 1992 pilot phase, are: to gain an increased 
level of understanding of marine processes affecting the behaviour of coastal structures, and of their inter­
actions; to develop numerical modelling of coastal processes and the integration of process models for 
purposes of coastal management in Europe; and furthermore to harmonize on a European scale, design 
concepts of coastal engineering works. 
Research will therefore concentrate on the study of currents, waves, the behaviour of sediments (mobili­
zation, transport, deposition, geotechnical properties), as well as changes in sea floor and coastline 
morphology. Coastal engineering research will further develop work on the impact of waves and other 
coastal processes on the stability of breakwaters and other structures. A particular aim is to maintain and 
promulgate Europe's lead in these fields by formulating European guidelines for coastal engineering. 
Research to improve beach nourishment and so-called 'anti-sea' protection schemes will also be 
undertaken. Synergy with climatology and natural hazards research will be assured. 
Area 3 
Marine Technology 
The objective is to encourage the development of existing and new instruments and enabling technologies, 
particularly with a view to speeding up the introduction of automated long-term measuring systems, as well 
as contributing to the development of operational observation systems. 
The research will concern the development of new sensors, (quasi) real-time data transmission and 
two-way communication links. Further work will be aimed at instruments for measuring and sampling in 
the water column and on and below the sea floor. Research in underwater acoustics will be aimed at 
self-navigation of vehicles, determination of sea floor properties, acoustic communication, sub-bottom 
profiling and innovative acoustic measurements in particular. Selective actions in the development of new 
or improved enabling technologies, e.g. acoustic imaging and optics, will be undertaken. Studies on the 
identification and exploitation of natural chemical substances in the marine environment, and impact 
21. 12.90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 321/13 
studies will also be implemented not only on the exploitation of marine mineral resources (sands and 
gravels, nodules, algae, substances for pharmaceutical uses), but also to gain a better knowledge of the 
effects of waste stemming from human activity in the pelagic environment. No research involving the inten­
tional disposal of toxic matter in the marine environment shall be eligible for Community funding, the aim 
being to achieve properly-managed aquacuhure, fisheries and tourism. 
Work will be undertaken on design and field-testing for a system to monitor the main coastal-water 
environment parameters. 
This research will be coordinated with the Eureka initiatives in marine science and technology and will 
supplement work in Brite/Euram and Esprit in the materials testing, robotics and informatics aspects of 
instrument development. 
Area 4 
Supporting Initiatives 
The supporting initiatives which commenced under the MAST pilot programme will be continued, and thus 
include the following: the establishment of a European ocean data and information system, including a 
system on the management of data on remote sensing; the preparation of norms and standards for marine 
science and technology; a modelling coordination initiative which includes modelling for management 
purposes; development of a pilot communication system for exchange of information on research cruises 
and research facilities; studies on the scientific and design requirements for new large-scale facilities; 
advanced training; and new approaches to mapping and bathymetric/hydrographic surveying. 
Area 5 
Integrated Projects 
Integrated projects will be developed to address particular problems which require large-scale multidisci-
plinary coordinated research effort. These problems could be defined on the basis of scientific and techno­
logical requirements or established on the basis of the scientific requirements of a particular geographical 
area. The need to balance the deficit of scientific capabilities in some countries will also be taken into 
account when defining the integrated projects. 
ANNEX II 
INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURES 
In %, for the period 1991 to 1994 
Area 1 — Marine science 
Area 2 — Coastal engineering 
Area 3 — Marine technology 
Area 4 — Supporting activities 
Area 5 — Integrated projects 30-38 
12-18 
24-32 
5-10 
10-20 
The breakdown between different areas does not exclude the possibility that projects could cover several 
areas. 
NoC 321/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 12.90 
An amount of ECU 2 million, equivalent to 2 % of the total budget, is estimated to be the minimum 
amount necessary to finance projects encouraging the training of researchers in the fields covered by this 
specific programme. 
An amount of ECU 720 000 to 960 000, equivalent to 3 % of the total amount deemed necessary for Area 
3 (Marine technology), shall be used for technological option and risk assessment, the results of which 
shall be communicated to Parliament with the evaluation reports. 
ANNEX III 
RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES FOR DISSEMINATION 
AND EXPLOITION OF THE RESULTS 
1. The Commission shall implement the programme on the basis of the scientific and technical content 
described in Annex I. 
2. The rules for implementing the programme, referred to in Article 3, comprise research and techno­
logical development projects, accompanying measures and concerted actions. 
The projects shall be the subject of shared-cost research and technological development contracts. 
The accompanying measures consist of applying the means to ensure proper technical execution, 
management and evaluation of the programme, as well as adequate dissemination and accessibility of 
the results, and coordination, training and consciousness-raising of the participants in the programme. 
The concerted actions are those defined in Article 92 of the Financial Regulations. 
3. The participants in the projects must be natural or legal persons established in the Community, such as 
universities, research organizations and industrial firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises, 
or associations thereof, in particular European Economic Interest Groupings (EEIGs). 
Natural or legal persons established in countries which have concluded agreements with the Community 
foreseeing scientific and technical research, may, based on the criterion of mutual advantage, take part 
in the projects undertaken in the context of this programme. The contracting parties under such 
arrangements shall not benefit from Community financing under the framework programme. They shall 
contribute to the general administrative costs. 
4. The choice of projects shall be carried out according to the following order of priority, the first method 
being the rule, the second the exception. 
The participants in the projects shall be selected on the basis of the ordinary procedure of calls for 
proposals referred to in Article 6 (3) and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 
Where other criteria of scientific excellence are satisfied, and in accordance with the guidelines agreed 
between Council and the European Parliament, in the case of a number of project proposals of equal 
scientific value, preference shall be given: 
(i) to project proposals whose implementation involves project participants in less-developed regions 
and/or regions in industrial decline as defined by Articles 8 and 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 
2052/88; 
(ii) to project proposals involving small and medium-sized enterprises or an association of such enter­
prises. 
The Commission shall determine in each case whether the management of the programme, or parts 
thereof, can be undertaken by organizations or institutions outside the Commission, without delegating 
its decision-making powers. 
21. 12. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 321/15 
The Commission may also accept proposals, according to an exceptional procedure and under the 
conditions mentioned below, when they make a particularly promising and significant contribution as 
regards the originality of the theme proposed, the novelty of the scientific and technical approach and 
the methodology of execution, also taking into account the particular nature of the proposers. 
A favourable technical evaluation of such proposals shall not by itself be a sufficient justification for 
accepting a project; this exceptional procedure may only apply after verification that the nature of the 
project, as defined above, does not justify the use of the normal procedure for calls for proposals. 
The exceptional procedure shall come into effect after the first call for proposals and must be completed 
before the ordinary procedure in such a way that the available amount for the Community's financial 
participation in projects retained by the ordinary procedure can be determined precisely. The closing 
date for the exceptional procedure shall be published each year in the Official Journal. 
The amount of the financial participation of the Community for all the projects retained by the excep­
tional procedure will be decided each year, in relation to the projects selected according to particularly 
strict criteria of excellence. In any case this amount may not exceed 10 % of the annual budget appro­
priation. 
The Commission shall draw up a vade mecum setting out all the rules applicable to this exceptional 
procedure in order to guarantee full transparency. 
5. The projects must involve for participation at least two mutually independent partners established in 
different Member States. 
6. The Commission may encourage the participants to form a European Economic Interest Grouping 
(EEIG) or make other arrangements for carrying out projects, such as those on a large scale, permitting 
decentralized management adapted to the specific requirements of the project. 
7. The knowledge acquired during the course of the projects shall be disseminated on the one hand, by the 
specific programme and on the other hand by means of a centralized activity, pursuant to the decision 
referred to in the third paragraph of Article 4 in Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC.