Report of the Consultation on a collaborative programme to assess and monitor climate-related changes in marine ecosystems in tropical/subtropical regions and in the high seas using the research vessel “Dr Fridtjof Nansen”

Abstract

The Consultation on a collaborative programme to assess and monitor climate-related changes in marine ecosystems in tropical/subtropical regions and in the high seas using the research vessel “Dr Fridtjof Nansen” was held at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris on 5 and 6 September 2012. The Consultation was held within the framework of the EAF-Nansen project (Strengthening the Knowledge Base for and Implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Marine Fisheries in Developing Countries) and was attended by a total of 19 participants, representing six UN agencies, and four national institutions. Dr Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO opened the consultation. The principal objective of the consultation was to discuss the possible components of the new EAF-Nansen project and the involvement of partners other than FAO and IMR, espe cially other UN Agencies. The project is expected to contribute to answering questions in relation to climate change and impact on the oceans. It is intended to set baselines and develop a system to monitor marine ecosystems in change as a result of climate variability and other drivers of change such as fisheries and pollution, in close cooperation with relevant on-going processes.