This is the main objective of JERICO, which proposes a Pan European approach for a European coastal marine observatory network, integrating infrastructure and technologies such as moorings, drifters, ferrybox and gliders. Networking activities will lead to the definitions of best practices for design, implementation, maintenance and distribution of data of coastal observing systems, as well as the definition of a quality standard. Harmonisation and strengthening coastal observation systems within EuroGOOS regions will be sought. Unique twin Trans National Access experiments will be carried out in order to reveal the potential of datasets used in synergy. Central coastal infrastructure in Europe will be opened for international research. This will among other benefits GMES and European contribution to climate change research. New joint research will be conducted in order to identify new and strategic technologies to be implemented in the next generation European coastal observatories. Focus is given on emerging technologies and the biochemical compartment. JERICO intends to contribute to the international and global effort on climate change research (GEOSS), to provide coastal data inputs for operational ocean observing and forecasting, and also to answer to some of the needs of the environmental research and societal communities.
