AMRIT: Advance Marine Research Infrastructures Together

Since the inception of the first ESFRI roadmap and RI projects launched in FP7, the foundational landscape of Marine Research Infrastructures (MRIs) has been established, with a focus on marine observation (including EMSO, Euro-Argo, and ICOS for the ERICs; EuroFleets+, EuroGoShip, GROOM RI, JERICO RI, and MINKE for the INFRA projects). However, little interaction has occurred among MRIs, resulting in a lack of coordination that significantly limits their potential to support excellent research and ocean observing systems. Furthermore, the absence of integration hinders the achievement of critical mass and leads to considerable cost duplication, which restricts their ability to act effectively.
Recognizing their role as providers of real-time and delayed mode in situ data for CMEMS and national OOSs, as well as primary managers of instrumental capacity for fundamental research, these MRIs have identified the need for developing effective structural coordination. This coordination will enhance data flows to CMEMS, facilitate the development of the EOOS, and improve overall ocean EOV observing capacity in Europe.
The proposal’s objectives are:

1. to ensure seamless operation of marine platforms, guaranteeing increased deployment of observing capacities with overall cost optimization.
2. to properly manage the life cycle of sensors at every stage.
3. to develop more consistent data flows between data providers, data aggregators, and other users, and to exploit the improved complementarity of various platforms and their sensors, aiming for relevant and consistent EOV observations while striving towards a net zero carbon ocean capability.

To achieve these objectives, AMRIT will design and implement: A fully integrated information service for metadata, encompassing individual sensors to measured EOVs, from early planning stages to final data delivery to users, across coastal systems and high seas, and spanning all disciplines; A cross-platform, fully standardised data acquisition methodology for key EOVs within the GOOS and EOOS, catering to a wide range of users; and a federated structure for the operators of national marine facilities (NMF) to ensure long-term sustainability of these services, along with a roadmap for achieving this goal.