The development of ocean monitoring and forecasting systems on global and European regional scales calls for a broad range of research and development activities to ensure that they operate on firm scientific and technical grounds; that optimal use is made of all data available; that the systems are fully validated and robust from an operational standpoint; that they are well integrated into an efficient system of systems, with easy access and smooth exchange of data; and that the systems are fit for purpose with engagement of the stakeholders.

Those are some of the objectives and challenges that we set in the Mersea work plan. The conception of the project was based on the view that a prerequisite to the development of ocean and marine applications is the provision of reliable, generic data and information products serving the needs of several classes of intermediate users, to enable them to fulfill their mission and to provide the services required by their final users.

Broadly speaking, the project activities can be grouped in several inter-related categories: those dealing with data (from earth observing satellites, in situ data, and forcing fields); system development, implementation and operation; research and development; and user products and applications. Moreover, we had several actions of outreach, training, communication, and publications.