The VECTORS project is launched
1st February 2011
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is pleased to
announce today the launch of the research project: Vectors of
Change in Oceans and Seas Marine Life, Impact on Economic Sectors
(VECTORS). The project is coordinated by PML with funding of 12.5
million Euros from the European Commission Seventh Framework
Programme (FP7).
VECTORS aims to improve our understanding of
how environmental and man made factors are impacting marine
ecosystems now and how they will do so in the future. The project
will also examine how these changes will affect the range of goods
and services provided by the oceans, the ensuing socio-economic
impacts and some of the measures that could be developed to
mitigate or adapt to these changes.
The multidisciplinary VECTORS project will
particularly focus on the causes and consequences of invasive
species, species that cause outbreaks, changes in fish distribution
and productivity. The project will focus on various areas,
including concern for marine life, biodiversity, the study of
regional seas and the interests of stakeholders. VECTORS will also
address specific issues relating to the various sectors involved,
including public health, tourism, transport, fisheries and
aquaculture and ocean and off-shore wind energy devices. The
project will include a mixture of natural scientists, environmental
economists, policy and governance analysts and environmental law
specialists.
Dr. Melanie Austen, Principal Investigator for
the project and Head of Science at PML commented: “Marine life
makes a substantial contribution to the economy and society of
Europe. It is essential that we improve our understanding of
how various factors are affecting our marine ecosystems and how we
can adapt to and reduce these changes as necessary in the future.
This project will combine new and existing knowledge to predict
changes in marine life, ecosystems and the marine based economies
of European countries in the light of new technology, fishing
strategies and policy needs. VECTORS will provide solutions and
tools for stakeholders and policymakers, to be used both throughout
the project and into the future”.
There are 37 European partners, from 15
countries, including in the UK:the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for
Ocean Science (SAHFOS), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and
Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the University of Hull, the University
of St. Andrews and the University of Bangor.