The Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) is a pan-European intergovernmental platform that increases the efficiency and impact of research and innovation for sustainably healthy and productive seas and oceans. VLIZ is commissioned by the Flemish government to support the JPI Oceans Secretariat and does so by providing a full-time employee to the JPI Oceans secretariat in Brussels. In addition, VLIZ hosts the JPI Oceans website and provides technical support in the updating and further development of the website.
In 2023, JPI Oceans marked a significant milestone with the launch of a new joint call focused on the ecological aspects of deep-sea mining. With the support of Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and the UK, JPI Oceans aims to further advance scientific knowledge in support of policy making on deep-sea mining, while facilitating the analysis of related ethical implications and societal consequences.
The year also witnessed JPI Oceans prioritizing groundbreaking topics within its agenda. The introduction of blue carbon and the dynamics of changing marine lightscapes as new Joint Actions, alongside the initiation of scoping actions targeting marinas and offshore groundwater resources, underscored the organization's commitment to addressing novel marine and maritime challenges and opportunities.
Additionally, in collaboration with its sister initiatives, the BlueBio, MarTERA and AquaticPollutants Cofund, JPI Oceans conducted mid-term and final meetings for 71 ongoing projects, spanning various key areas such as emerging pollutants, maritime technologies, microplastics and the blue bioeconomy.
JPI Oceans also played an active role in supporting key initiatives at both European and global level. This included contributions to the EU Mission Charter and the UN Ocean Decade through the Cumulative Effects, Microplastics and Underwater Noise Joint Actions, as well as the establishment of the Blue Carbon expert group.
The initiative further engaged with various sectors to bridge the gap between research, policy, education, and the arts. Highlights included hosting an informational event at the European Parliament to discuss findings from microplastics research, a science-policy workshop in Malta on Good Environmental Status of European waters, and supporting educational initiatives such as BlueBio's training courses on bio-refinery technologies and fishery side streams. Furthermore, JPI Oceans contributed to an art exhibition in Brussels, emphasizing the cultural significance of seas and oceans.
Finally, acknowledging the importance of continuity and support for ongoing initiatives, JPI Oceans has provided a nurturing environment for MarTERA projects following the conclusion of the related ERA-NET Cofund.