Why invest in Ocean Science? - National Oceanography Centre
THE NOC ASSOCIATION: 30th MARCH 2015 Why invest in Ocean Science? Professor Ed Hill OBE Executive Director National Oceanography Centre The NOC Association Why invest in Ocean Science? A vast economic resource Human activities are putting the ocean under increasing pressure Growing risk from ocean hazards The ocean remains poorly understood Predicting climate depends on understanding the ocean New technology is leading us to the edge of a revolution The NOC Association Hurricane Katrina couresy NASA/Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team Image: The Guardian Image: University of Southampton UK interests in the ocean Out of 224 Government policies, 28 have a marine dimension Present a flood risk to 4 million people and £150 billion of assets The UK’s marine EEZ is 3.5 times its land area Underpin a UK maritime economy worth £50 billion/year The ocean and seas Over 40% of UK waters are in the deep sea support 900,000 jobs carry 95% pf our international trade and 95% of Internet traffic The NOC Association World-class UK marine science base Council of Canadian Academies (2013) Ocean Science in Canada: Meeting the Challenge, Seizing the Opportunity Excess heat and carbon Sea level trends Ocean-related tipping points Seasonal weather predictions Deep sea biological diversity The Atlantic, Arctic and Southern Ocean are where the most profound changes in the global ocean are happening. Sea floor and sub-seafloor resources and hazards Autonomous technologies The NOC Association World-class marine research infrastructure £345(1) million capital investment in global-class research ships RRS Discovery New Polar Research Ship Isis Remotely Operated Vehicle RRS Discovery: Chou Pesqueira CNP Freire, S.A RRS James Cook (1) Figure includes costs for works at the UK's Antarctic research stations. Ocean research is providing tangible benefits to the UK Climate change and variability Effective ocean stewardship Engaging the public Marinerelated hazards Ocean resources Supporting UK business Operational oceanography Hurricane Katrina couresy NASA/Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team UK influence and position Limitations to and loss of capability Failure to capitalise on investment Loss of expertise Inefficiency in delivery of science Impact on international endeavours Technology development The NOC Association What more could be achieved with further investment? Increase resilience to weather and climate variability Support UK businesses working in deep sea frontier environments Maximise return on developing ocean technology and investment in world class research infrastructure Growth of scientific industries Exploitation of ‘blue growth’ opportunities The NOC Association Science for our Future Ocean Science is Big Science The Ocean – resources, hazards, climate, under pressure UK interests – maritime nation, global influencer Excellence – ocean science, technology, infrastructure Big questions – large gaps, sparse data, discovery Making an impact – business, policy, regulation At stake - failure to invest The opportunity - capitalise on advantage The NOC Association The UK is a world-leader in ‘big ocean science’. Now is the time to invest and capitalise on our strengths, advantages and opportunities Image: Leighton Rolley Background image: Leighton Rolley
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