89/413/EEC: Council Decision of 20 June 1989 on a specific research and technological development programme in the field of marine science and technology (MAST)

COUNCIL DECISION of 20 June 1989 on a specific research and technological development programme in the field of marine science and technology (MAST) (89/413/EEC)
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 (1),
In cooperation with the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas Article 130k of the Treaty states that the framework programme is to be implemented through specific programmes developed within each activity;
Whereas, by its Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC (4), as amended by Decision 88/193/EEC, Euratom (5), the Council has adopted a framework programme for Community research and technological development (1987 to 1991), providing, inter alia, for activities in  the exploitation of the sea bed and the use of marine resources;
Whereas Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC stipulates that a particular aim of Community research must be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry, particularly in strategic sectors of advanced technology, and to encourage  industry by making it more competitive at the international level, and whereas the same Decision also lays down that Community action is justified if it contributes, among other things, to strengthening the Community's economic and social cohesion and  to promoting its overall harmonious development, while at the same time being consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical excellence; whereas the MAST programme is planned to contribute to the pursuit of these objectives;
Whereas the European Parliament has stressed the need for cooperation, coordination and complementarity of national
policies in the field of oceanography and marine technology and has recommended that the Commission should undertake a number of actions to that effect under the framework programme, including a specific programme for marine science and technology;
Whereas other Community programmes (e.g. environmental protection, climatology and natural hazards, fisheries, technological development in the hydrocarbons sector, non-nuclear energy and some activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) have a bearing  on topics in marine science and technology, but none are directed specifically at marine research;
Whereas in the present context of expanding industrialization, increasing pressure is being placed on the marine and especially the coastal environment;
Whereas it is widely recognized that a good knowledge base and reliable predictive techniques are essential for long-term management and protection strategies for the marine environment; whereas to achieve these objectives much can be gained from  effective coordination of the research programmes of the Member States and joint execution of European projects in marine science and technology would be beneficial;
Whereas participation by certain European third countries in a Community research and development programme in marine science and technology would be beneficial;
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) has given its opinion,