Blue Lobster IT Ltd is a software & Communications agency for freshwater, marine and coastal
sciences.

The team are highly experienced in working with large marine data infrastructures with a large portfolio of data and information products and tools that are designed to engage with a variety of end-users including scientists and researchers, industry, policy, and public stakeholder groups. In addition to software development, BLIT lead/co-lead several work packages in H2020 projects related to communication, dissemination, and outreach.

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Blue Lobster IT Limited

WP1 will create the necessary governance structure for effective, efficient and timely implementation and management of the EcoScope project by establishing the necessary procedures, facilitating the communication flow among partners and ensuring timely reporting to the European Commission (EC). The general aim is reached through specific objectives:
1. Ensuring that the project objectives and challenges are achieved, and deliverables/milestones are completed on time and within the proposed budget.
2. Facilitating communication among the Coordinator, the partners and the EC.
3. Ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to avoid or mitigate potential risks.
4. Identifying and resolving any potential conflicts among the partners and with external bodies.



Objectives

WP1 will create the necessary governance structure for effective, efficient and timely implementation and management of the EcoScope project by establishing the necessary procedures, facilitating the communication flow among partners and ensuring timely reporting to the European Commission (EC). The general aim is reached through specific objectives:
1. Ensuring that the project objectives and challenges are achieved, and deliverables/milestones are completed on time and within the proposed budget.
2. Facilitating communication among the Coordinator, the partners and the EC.
3. Ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to avoid or mitigate potential risks.
4. Identifying and resolving any potential conflicts among the partners and with external bodies.

All tasks in WP1 will be carried out during the entire EcoScope project 
Management Structure and procedures. The management of the project is structured in a way that scientific and technical issues are managed separately from finance and administration. Qualified personnel are assigned to the management tasks so that researchers can focus on the RTD and innovative activities. 

Task 1.1. Overall Co-ordination for achieving project objectives and deliverables on time

The administration team is composed of individuals with experience in project management. The Coordinator will be responsible for the ongoing management of the scientific and technical activities, including maintaining communication with WP Leaders and project partners and ensuring the delivery of high-quality work in accordance with the work plan. For this purpose, the Coordinator will be supported by a Research Manager, a Technical Manager, an Innovation Manager, and an Administrative Manager. Together they will form the Project Executive Board (PEB), which will be responsible for: the strategic and scientific leadership of the EcoScope project. WP and Task leaders will be responsible for the coordination of their WP and tasks respectively. The Coordinator will chair the General Assembly (GA) and the Project Executive Board. The Administrative Manager will be responsible for the daily financial and administrative management of the project. The Coordinator and Administrative Manager are also responsible for monitoring the progress of WPs, tasks, milestones and deliverables and providing this information to the PEB and the GA. 

Task 1.2. Governance structure, organisation and decision rules

The project will commence with a three-day kick-off meeting to discuss the foundations throughout its implementation, to provide a common language and terminology among the participants, to discuss the methodologies for analysing legislation, operation and human resources, time scheduling and requirements for the implementation of WPs. All the partners and members of the International Advisory Board (IAB) will participate in this meeting held within a month of the official start date of the project. The governance structure will be confirmed as explained in the structure, as well as the roles, responsibilities and activities of the different committees and boards and other decision rules. The Coordinator will formulate a Consortium Agreement with the assistance of the legal office of the Research Committee of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This Consortium Agreement will describe in detail the rights and obligations of all partners of the EcoScope project and will consider handling of intellectual property rights and managing of innovation issues. The Consortium Agreement will be signed by all partners before the start of the project. Different groups, committees and boards will operate with specific scope and will submit their ideas to the management team and the General Assembly. These include: An Innovation Board to discuss and push forward new ideas and innovative actions, a technical team for the implementation of the project, a communication team for the dissemination, communication and visibility, and an academy board for the online course material and webinars. 

Task 1.3. Establishment of communication flow and methods

Communication will flow from the bottom-up and from the top-down through typical communication methods such as: in person and remote meetings, e-mail, phone, etc. In particular, a cooperative working method using the EcoScope website will be established. The system will be structured in a way that all participants can upload and download information to and from the WPs and tasks according to their role and responsibilities. Passwords will be distributed to all partners as well as to the EC officials. The Coordinator will act as the sole communication point between the EcoScope Project and the EC; the Project Officer will be invited to attend annual meetings and activities. The Coordinator assisted by the Administrative Manager will provide periodic and final reporting to the EC in accordance with the work plan and the Grant Agreement. 

Task 1.4. Data management plan

A data management plan will be developed for the entire project and specifically for the WPs that are dealing with data. This will require the participants of these WPs to document: (i) the precise nature of the data to be gathered, (ii) the ethical issues associated with these data and their storage, i.e. compliant to GDPR Directive 95/46/EC and taking into consideration issues related to the transfer of data from and to the EU, and (iii) the procedures that will be adopted to ensure that the data are recorded in a systematic and safe manner. Discussions on these issues will not only take place within each WP but will also involve the Research Manager who will ensure that the deposition of data to the website archive complies with best practices in data management. These materials will then be uploaded to a secure website (WP10) where each WP will maintain its own page. Access to the EcoScope website will be strictly limited and controlled for confidentiality purposes. 

Task 1.5. Addressing conflicts and project risk management

The Coordinator will address all potential conflicts related to contractual obligations of the partners and delivery of scientific output. Conflicts will be addressed by the Coordinator immediately on a bilateral basis and if any conflict persist, it will be dealt with by the Project Executive Board (PEB). The PEB will be responsible for continuous risk management (i.e. technical, financial and administrative risk) and for an effective implementation of the contingency plan, which will be periodically reviewed. After each major stage of the project, the PEB will conduct a risk assessment of the achieved results and determine in advance if a correction action should be carried out in the next stages. This includes:
(i) Reporting any minor deviations from the project plan to the General Assembly (GA).
(ii) Implementing the GA recommendations in the contingency plan associated with the specific work package in question.
(iii) Drafting additional or alternative contingency plans, if needed, together with other relevant persons (e.g. the WP Leader in question).
(iv) Communicating the conclusions from the GA, regarding the revised strategies, to all project members, and include them in the project plan.
 (v) In the event of more serious problems, convene with the GA the best route forward; the Coordinator will then advise the Project Officer of the problem and seek the EC’s approval for the proposed solution.

Project management

WP9 aims to design effective business models, promoting new forms of collaboration between public and private actors to prepare the introduction and sustainability of the EcoScope products and services beyond the duration of the project. It will prepare an exploitation package to introduce the EcoScope products and services to various public and private stakeholders and will ensure all Results and Background Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are protected.

**WP9** aims to design effective business models, promoting new forms of collaboration between public and private actors to prepare the introduction and sustainability of the EcoScope products and services beyond the duration of the project. It will prepare an exploitation package to introduce the EcoScope products and services to various public and private stakeholders and will ensure all Results and Background Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are protected.

**WP9** will develop the measures for sustained operation and maintenance of the EcoScope project and associated services after the funded phase, balancing free access to (primary) data and on-demand information with innovative products and services for policy-makers and end users according to the H2020 Open Access and Open Research Data Pilot principles. Therefore, this WP will develop strategies to continue its appeal to the end-users, as well as the market assessment, the definition of the business and the definition of business plans. All partners are committed to maintain the EcoScopium portal after the project has ended and will be actively involved in this WP; the industrial partners will use their expertise in market analysis and commercialisation techniques, particularly through appropriate Intellectual Property Rights strategies.

**Task 9.1.** Innovation management

This task will develop a project-specific innovation management approach and plan, based on innovation/exploitation theory and process concepts as relevant for EcoScope. It provides for both (a) a conceptual framework for all partners to work towards the outcome of this project, and (b) a process to follow in all project work concerned with business case development, business planning, and preparation for market introduction. It will assure a focused innovation pathway, including designing business models and preparing business.

**Task 9.2.** Business case analysis

In this task, we will focus on exploring business cases for the EcoScope services within the context of identified use cases, following a combined PESTEL (Political-Economic-Social-Technological-Environmental-Legal-Ethical) and SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis. Therefore, the goal of the task is to define business cases for the EcoScope services that can be provided to various customers. This will start with initial desk research to make an analysis of the value proposition, followed by building a business canvas, to map the environment for each case and the actors in the value chain. We will then progress towards an improved understanding for each case by introducing the new business models, finance instruments, and market research.

**Task 9.3.** Innovative business models

Based on the analysis of the business cases, innovative business models will be designed for each of the selected products and services. For each product or service, the first phase of business model development is to fully understand any current business model from the nature of the solution to the role of public and private actors in governance, through financing feasibility. As part of the process, a review of the market environment, a competitive analysis of existing services for sustainable fisheries and a strategic SWOT analysis will be conducted. At the end of this validation process, we will have insights on key barriers and drivers identified for implementing innovative business models that will be the base for developing tailored business plans for each EcoScope product or service. Based on these analyses financial projections can be made for estimating the global revenues from services that will secure the long-term sustainability of the project

**Task 9.4.** Exploitation and business plans

In the overall context of the project-specific innovation management process, building upon a common understanding of business models, entrepreneurship and the outcomes of the demonstrative case studies, a comprehensive exploitation strategy and business planning process will be developed. It will involve all partners and reflect their common, as well as proprietary interests in outcomes which are sustainable and successful, globally in markets for services related to fisheries management in the ecosystem context. It will involve integrating project outcomes from other WPs into a comprehensive exploitation strategy, including identifying relevant market(s), most promising customers, and core business case(s), modelling the prospective business development, and developing coherent business plans. 

**Task 9.5.** Intellectual property management

The Innovation Board’s activities in this task will be to ensure that Intellectual Property (IP) is identified as it is created, protected, as appropriate, and subject to the considerations and decisions of the owning party, before any public disclosure. Each idea/ project result will initially be assessed by the Innovation Board, making recommendations to the Executive Board concerning the need/strategy for protection of each output. Special emphasis will be put on designing appropriate technology transfer arrangements to facilitate access of the novel technology to additional technology and service providers. The Innovation Board will advise on the appropriate IP protection strategy to allow such technology transfer arrangements. The Innovation Board will make periodic reports to all partners on the activities arising from this task. Open source license / open access is the guiding principle for the platform and toolbox.



Innovation management and business planning

WP3 will develop, demonstrate and maintain the EcoScope Platform, one of the main components of EcoScopium public portal and products of the EcoScope project, which will host meteorological, oceanographic, biogeochemical, environmental, biological, fishery, socio-economic datasets and homogenise them into common standard type and format following international protocols. Data will cover all study areas and will be assembled, compiled and integrated in the system from a multitude of external sources, allowing for an integrated and holistic fisheries management approach within the ecosystem context. The EcoScope Platform will be the modular tool linking data (collected by modern observational multi-platforms, hydrodynamic and biogeochemical model outputs, biological data, etc.) with environmental- and human drivers and with complex spatio-temporal ecosystem models. The EcoScope Platform will couple predictions of changes in marine biogeochemistry, food webs and productivity of ecosystems within the framework of climate change and increased anthropogenic forcing. After data harmonization and injection, the EcoScope Platform will provide data to end-users and stakeholders, in standardised types and formats.

**WP3** will develop, demonstrate and maintain the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a>, one of the main components of **EcoScopium** public portal, which will host meteorological, oceanographic, biogeochemical, environmental, biological, fishery, socio-economic datasets and homogenise them into common standard type and format following international protocols. The <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a> will be the modular tool linking data with environmental- and human drivers and with complex spatio-temporal ecosystem models. The <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a> will couple predictions of changes in marine biogeochemistry, food webs and productivity of ecosystems within the framework of climate change and increased anthropogenic forcing. 

In **WP3** all collected data from diverse data sources will be compiled, assembled, homogenised and integrated into the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a>. The final product will be a unique interface, capable of integrating multi-disciplinary data such as meteorological, climate, oceanographic, water quality, substrate type, seabed habitats, human impacts, river outflows, nutrient fluxes, fisheries catch, landings, fishing effort data, species distribution maps, benthic biodiversity, marine mammals, and more. Data will be stored in the cloud and will be compatible to the future EU-DIAS cloud system. 

**Task 3.1.** Harmonised database compilation 

This task includes the mapping and scanning of existing databases and data sources (e.g., Earth Observation systems, online models, satellite data, *in-situ* systems, citizen scientist networks) containing meteorological, climate, oceanographic (physical, chemical, biological, biodiversity), human-impact and socio-economic parameters and indicators for all study areas. Databases and platforms will provide data (historic and forecasts) for the above parameters. These data will be combined and merged with data from biological and fisheries databases providing data on biomass, catches and discards, marine mammal distribution, biodiversity, fish and invertebrate species distributions and fishing effort. All data will be homogenised and geo-referenced into a common back-end database, ready to be injected to the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a> and used by other WPs 

**Task 3.2.** Data quality control and consistency 

Management and handling of data collected/produced and indicators derived within the frame of **EcoScope** will be carefully managed in order to ensure the consistency and the quality of the data entering the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a>. Considering the large 4D datasets being processed, the different data formats and different data platforms and providers, the data management plan is essential to deal with the data thoughtfully from the beginning. This design phase will consider the following aspects of data management and handling.

**Task 3.3.** Platform development – Phase 1 (Met-ocean data import)

The <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a> will follow architectural guidelines, components and interfaces as developed in ODYSSEA H2020 Project (GDPR, cataloguing, data standardisation, protocols, user interfaces, data storage components, etc). In Phase 1, data from Met-Ocean and climatic data platforms and data providers will be integrated into the system, for all areas covered by the **EcoScope** project. These are dynamic datasets, in the sense that change in time and space at various resolutions and special handling of these data is needed. The front-end of the platform will provide the necessary tools to visualise, process and analyse these data in a user-friendly manner. 

**Task 3.4.** Platform development – Phase 2 (Biological and fishery data import)

In Phase 2, data from biological, biodiversity, fishery data platforms and providers will be integrated into the system, for all areas covered by the **EcoScope** project. These are mostly static data, time-series of catches, effort, landings and biomass per species (Sea Around Us project), previously surveyed data, stock status indices, overfishing indicators, biodiversity, sensitivity indicators, socio-economic data and ecological models output and more. All these data will be derived from **WPs 2, 4, 5, 6** and **7** and will be provided ready to be imported in the platform. 

**Task 3.5.** Data pre- and post-processing and fusion 

In this task, pre-processing will check the integrity, consistency and format of data and transform the data in formats ready for import into the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a>. Data will be stored effectively following Big Data Storage and Analytics approach to allow faster access by the processing component. Post-processing will involve data aggregation, especially between abiotic and biotic variables, even at different resolutions, indicators derivation, alarming and the generation of reports. High- and multiple-level data fusion will be carried out on the entire database, utilising machine and deep learning algorithms, neuro-fuzzy inference systems and various intelligent processing and data assimilation methods. Dedicated algorithms will be developed in this task to provide the above services. 

**Task 3.6.** Platform operation and maintenance 

The objective is to deliver a first set of services in M40 to demonstrate the usefulness of the <a href= "https://ecoscopium.eu/ecoscope-platform" target=“_blank”>EcoScope Platform</a> and to be able to iterate with users for the requirements consolidation in M48. The maintenance will be realised all along the iterative process of deliveries.

Linking fisheries to the ocean

The EcoScope project results will be presented at major events, conferences and workshops with the participation of end-users and stakeholder groups. The project results will be available through a website, social media, press releases, newsletters, games, simulators, dashboards and a smartphone EcoScope App to engage with communities about illegal fishing activities, which will provide valuable feedback to the EcoScopium public portal and the communities themselves.

The general output will be presented with news, articles, a short documentary film and the scientific output will be published in scientific journals and conference proceedings. The primary objectives are to:

1. Increase the profile of the project to the various stakeholder groups and society;
2. Achieve maximum impact and visibility of the services, products, tasks and results produced in the EcoScope project;
3. Produce materials to support the actions within other WP’s and to present their results; and
4. Develop a mobile application (EcoScope App) for promoting user engagement to marine ecosystem protection



The EcoScope project results will be presented at major events, conferences and workshops with the participation of end-users and stakeholder groups. The project results will be available through a website, social media, press releases, newsletters, games, simulators, dashboards and a smartphone EcoScope App to engage with communities about illegal fishing activities, which will provide valuable feedback to the EcoScopium public portal and the communities themselves.
The general output will be presented with news, articles, a short documentary film and the scientific output will be published in scientific journals and conference proceedings. The primary objectives are to:
1. Increase the profile of the project to the various stakeholder groups and society;
2. Achieve maximum impact and visibility of the services, products, tasks and results produced in the EcoScope project;
3. Produce materials to support the actions within other WP’s and to present their results; and
4. Develop a mobile application (EcoScope App) for promoting user engagement to marine ecosystem protection


**Task 10.1.** Communication and dissemination plan

A Communication and Dissemination Plan will be developed outlining the various methods for communicating the project activities and outputs. The target audiences will be identified in collaboration with WP8. The Plan will include a schedule of activities to complete during the first 12 months of the project, whilst also including an outline of the expected actions throughout the duration of the project. The plan will be reviewed annually to evaluate the activities and their impact. The plan and schedule will then be updated to reflect the activities of the next period.

**Task 10.2.** Communications toolbox

A toolbox will be created early in the project to include the design of the EcoScope project brand, logo, website, social media profile and initial publicity materials. Throughout the project, design assets will be created as required to support conferences, capacity building actions etc. All design assets will be available via the project website for partners (internal and external) and media organisations to use.

**Task 10.3.** Project website

A project website will be created to showcase the activities of the EcoScope project and also form the hub of the Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum and Stakeholder Surveys. The initial website components will include general project information, partner information, news, events, communications materials. The website theme will be carried through the social media accounts and other related services. The website will be continually maintained throughout the project and form the central hub for activities. The website will provide seamless access to the projects products and services, including the EcoScopium public portal.

**Task 10.4.** Content production

An important part of any communications strategy is content production which will include scientific output published in journals and conference proceedings, press releases, news, a short documentary film, social media content, images and presentations etc. All content will be available through the project website and disseminated via social media, email and other communications methods identified in the Communication and Dissemination plan to ensure maximum impact. As many scientists from the Consortium serve as senior editorial board members in many leading international journals, the results of EcoScope project will be published as a special issue in a leading journal.

**Task 10.5.** Communication of the EcoScope Platform, EcoScope Toolbox and MSP Challenge simulation platform

To support the maximum uptake of the EcoScopium portal, a separate communications strategy is needed to that of the project Communication and Dissemination Plan. A review of the target audiences and products and services to be offered will be carried out and then an appropriate marketing strategy developed and executed. Dissemination and user support of the EcoScope Platform (WP3), EcoScope Toolbox (WP5) and MSP Challenge simulation platform EM edition (WP6) will make them available, through community wiki with installers, support, manuals, tutorials making them available for stakeholder integration workshops and to users outside the project (seminars, workshops, education and training).

**Task 10.6.** Community engagement mobile application for reporting bad practices

The establishment of ecosystem-based fisheries management is vital for the recovery of ecosystems and fish stocks and can benefit from public awareness and active participation of citizens. This task will develop a mobile application (EcoScope App), which will enable citizens to report on marine hazards, pollution and stranding of protected species. The report will be transferred online to local authorities and will potentially improve compliance. This community-based tool will enhance community involvement and will provide important information for the EcoScope project. We will develop the application to be suited for the partner's specific needs and unique local language, regulations and culture, based on an interactive workshop with local authorities and further support in the capacity building and marketing to increase the use of the application. 



Dissemination and visibility

WP8 on stakeholder engagement and capacity building aims to ensure that the interoperable EcoScope Platform and decision-making EcoScope Toolbox developed within the EcoScope project will be co-designed with the users and stakeholders, and to ensure that these tools are taken up through capacity development. The objectives of the task are to: 

1. Create the EcoScope Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum by identifying and mapping the stakeholders and managing the interaction with them
2. Hold stakeholder co-design meetings to identify their needs, understand their requirements, and feed back the results of the project
3.  Undertake stakeholder surveys
4. Build capacity through the creation of online courses and seminars, i.e. the EcoScope Academy


**WP8** on stakeholder engagement and capacity building aims to ensure that the interoperable EcoScope Platform and decision-making EcoScope Toolbox developed within the EcoScope project will be co-designed with the users and stakeholders, and to ensure that these tools are taken up through capacity development. The objectives of the task are to:
1. Create the EcoScope Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum and manage the interaction with them;
2. Hold stakeholder co-design meetings to identify their needs and requirements, and feed back the results of the project;
3. Undertake stakeholder surveys; and
4. Build capacity through the creation of online courses and seminars (EcoScope Academy)

Building on the EMB Future Science Brief on ecosystem modelling and an understanding of what is needed worldwide, **WP8** will assess the current needs and requirements of policy makers from the tools proposed in EcoScope through the EcoScope Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum (Task 8.1). It will conduct foresight exercises on thematic areas to explore emerging opportunities, capabilities and potential for the future EcoScope Toolbox (Task 8.2), test the impact of the toolbox, workshops and capacity building, and establish a baseline for comparison of economic preferences with those of the wider European population (Task 8.3). A survey of stakeholders and policy makers on what would be needed in a fully comprehensive toolbox will complement the workshops. The knowledge created in the platform (WP3), toolbox (WP5) and ecosystem models (WP6) will also be shared through stakeholder workshops during yearly consortium and Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum regular meetings and through capacity building in the EcoScope Academy (Task 8.4): the educational pillar of the project, that will promote cross community education and knowledge sharing.

**Task 8.1.** Assessment of societal expectations and value of ecosystem-based fisheries management

A Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum will enable the EcoScope team to co-design their tools with stakeholders and receive feedback on their implementation and effectiveness. At the end of the project, the performance of the forum and stakeholder involvement will be evaluated.

*Sub-task 8.1.1. Stakeholder management planning*

The Task leaders will develop a stakeholder management plan linked to the Communications Plan developed in WP10.
The stakeholder management plan will include:
• Identification of communication methods (for different stakeholders),
• Schedule and responsibility of actions,
• Success criteria,
• Post project planning (what happens to the forum at the end? What will be the legacy?),
• Connection with WP10 Communication and Outreach, and
• Planning of events, social media, stakeholder recruitment and management

*Sub-task 8.1.2. Stakeholder mapping*

In this task the stakeholders of the project will be identified and mapped following the identification and review of existing stakeholder mapping initiatives from the project and external community. The stakeholders will be categorised by type, and contact details and they will form the Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum. 

**Task 8.2.** Stakeholder co-design meetings 

*Sub-task 8.2.1. Identifying the needs of policy makers and stakeholders*

This task will map/scope the policy needs and emerging tools, strategies and/or roadmaps for ecosystem modelling. These include, but are not limited to the Oceans and Human Health strategic research agenda developed by H2020 SOPHIE, the Planning documents for the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, new EU policy document such as the European Green Deal and the Digital Twin Ocean, and EMB foresight publications on Ecosystem Modelling, Navigating the Future V, and Valuing Marine Ecosystem Services. This task will also include the design and analysis of a survey of policy makers in Europe, on their requirements for the EcoScope Toolbox. 

*Sub-task 8.2.2. Foresight workshop 1: Policy Maker and Stakeholder requirements workshop*

During this workshop the team will bring together the policy makers and stakeholders that will use the EcoScope Toolbox as well as experts in the field of toolbox development from the consortium, to co-design a toolbox that can deliver what is required by policy makers and other stakeholders. In addition, the workshop will include the ocean observation and ocean database community, to ensure that all possible data are used to enhance the EcoScope Toolbox and be included in the EcoScope Platform that will cover all European Seas. 

*Sub-task 8.2.3. EcoScope indicator implementation workshop*

The vulnerability and risk assessments undertaken of WP4, the ecosystem assessments of WP5 and MSP Challenge games of WP6 will be presented to relevant stakeholders such as the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMO), ICES and FAO in a workshop, which will aim to stimulate debate on the necessity of including climate change in fisheries management and the importance of ecosystem based fisheries management. The MSP Challenge simulation platform -EM fishing edition that will be created in WP6 will be tested and validated based on time-line analysis and user/expert participation in the Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Forum meeting during the last year of the project where the MSP Challenge-EM Fishing Edition will be assessed. This interactive simulation platform will then be incorporated into the EcoScope Academy (Task 8.4). This stakeholder workshop will build on the outcomes of WPs 4, 5, 6 and 7 and will discuss the challenges of implementing and linking economic and ecological indicators. 

*Sub-task 8.2.4. Foresight workshop 2: Future requirements for ecosystem based sustainable management*

Toward the latter stages of the project, when the EcoScope toolbox is delivered, we will consider the future needs. We therefore propose a foresight workshop toward the end of the project, to highlight the achievements of the project, to launch the EcoScope Toolbox, and to address these unknown challenges. For sustainable ecocentric management we will need to bring together the ocean observation and modelling communities, as well as users and National and International Funders. This will need the help of funders such as JPI-Oceans in terms of links with funders at National level but also the European Commission, UNESCO and the World Bank and these stakeholders will also be invited to this workshop. 

**Task 8.3.** Stakeholder surveys to co-design management tools

This task will involve data collection and analysis of surveys conducted among diverse stakeholders with the intent of answering questions, such as: What do stakeholders want from the EcoScope Τoolbox? How appropriate is the EcoScope survey (Task 8.3.2)? and What constitutes EcoScope’s stakeholders’ socio-economic preferences?

*Sub-task 8.3.1. Ecoscope toolbox survey*

This survey will be conducted among European Commission policy makers (DG MARE, DG RTD, DG Grow, and others) in M4 to gauge their specific requirements for the EcoScope Toolbox. The data will therefore yield insights early on in the project to assist in the design of the toolbox useful for Task 8.2

*Sub-task 8.3.2. Ecoscope survey pilot & ongoing stakeholder responses*

Early piloting of the survey will be conducted among 20-30 key stakeholders participating in the workshops, at the same time yielding baseline data for comparison with the results of the main surveys. Once designed (as part of WP7), the survey will be available online to collect data throughout the project lifetime (and beyond) among stakeholders, workshop attendees and participants in capacity building exercises. These data will allow us to gauge the profile of our stakeholders and sub-samples thereof, in contrast with the specific populations we target in WP8 

**Task 8.4.** Capacity building 

The aim of this task is to share the knowledge and methodologies created in EcoScope in the form of an online academy that will become the educational pillar of the project and will promote cross community education and knowledge sharing. The EcoScope Academy will offer a website explaining the scope, the processes and the products of the EcoScope project and will offer a variety of online courses, webinars, digital games and other digital material that will serve different learning audiences (scientists, fishers, policy makers, students, public) and goals.




Interaction with stakeholders and capacity building

The aim of WP2 is to review and assess the present state of fisheries management and supporting oceanographic, ecosystem and socio-economic information to facilitate the development and implementation of efficient ecosystem- based fisheries management (EBFM) in European Seas. The following specific objectives have been identified: 

1. Review the available data in fisheries, oceanography, biology, ecosystem and socio-economy related to EBFM
2. Review and evaluate current management schemes, measures and provision of scientific advice with respect to EBFM
3. Identify gaps in knowledge and linkages of fisheries to social cohesion and health in coastal areas
4. Develop ways to collect new data (in the short term) to fill in the gaps and data needs for ecosystem assessments (WP5) and ecological models (WP6)
5. Develop a concept and strategy for data collection (in the long term), and develop the knowledge base and research methodology for efficient and pragmatic EBMF

The aim of **WP2** is to review and assess the present state of fisheries management and supporting oceanographic, ecosystem and socio-economic information to facilitate the development and implementation of efficient ecocentric fisheries management in European Seas. 

**WP2** will review, evaluate, and draft recommendations for the best practices of data collection, fisheries assessments, and formulation of scientific advice for managers in order to facilitate the implementation of sound and efficient ecocentric fisheries management. With this aim, we will perform a thorough appraisal of existing work of the major organisations, groups and projects engaged in fisheries assessments and ecosystem management. In **WP2**, we will also identify essential gaps in current data and knowledge and carry out short-term data collection to cover project’s data needs. Finally, drawing from the project results, we will highlight strategic priorities and prepare a proof of concept document, informing scientists and stakeholders about requirements in data collection, and in knowledge base and research methodology needed for successful implementation of ecocentric fisheries management policies in EU and elsewhere.

**Task 2.1.** Review of information and knowledge 

We will review available biological, fisheries, and ecosystem data from international and national sources in order to support the analyses planned in this project, perform a gap analysis, and plan short-term (this project) and strategic data collection needed for fisheries management in an ecosystem context. An inventory of data sources will be created that will be available online. We will use information gathered to update existing species-specific distribution maps and identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of marine species spatial ecology. Using criteria of species-specific abundance, ecological relevance, and conservation status, we will generate and prioritise a list of species and areas for which key information is missing and that should therefore be gathered.

**Task 2.2.** Review and evaluation of current assessment and management schemes and measures 

This task will review and evaluate existing fisheries science and management bodies and practices in Europe, and provide background information for building short-term), and strategic data collection and research methods to support fisheries management in the ecosystem context. In this task, we will review the documents of scientific and management bodies, review and evaluate the current practices in assessment and provision of scientific advice with respect to ecocentric fisheries management, as well as review and evaluate the implementation of management schemes and measures related to ecocentric fisheries management in Europe and Global best practice.

**Task 2.3.** Filling the gap of biological knowledge in data poor areas

This task will carry out short term data collection on some a priori known data gaps as well data needs arising from data gap analyses that will be filled during the EcoScope project. This task was specifically designed for the data-poorest case studies involved in the project, such as those located in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which face varying data deficiencies. 

*Subtask 2.3.1. Elasmobranch species in the Balearic Islands*
In the Balearic Sea, additional data on elasmobranch (sharks and rays) species will be collected through tagging experiments, carried out during ongoing scientific surveys in the area. 

*Subtask 2.3.2. Large pelagic predators in the Aegean Sea*
In the Aegean Sea, a fisheries independent survey using underwater baited cameras will collect visual data of large pelagic predators (some of which are protected) and will provide information on their distribution, abundance and habits. 

*Subtask 2.3.3 Evaluating the role of invasive fish species in the total commercial catch*
Along the Levantine coast of Israel, the biodiversity of invasive fish species has been continuously monitored for the past seven years. The subtask that will provide crucial knowledge regarding the commercially important invasive fish species like threadfin bream, goatfishes and Spanish mackerel. 

**Task 2.4.** Develop a concept and strategy for research methodology, data collection, and knowledge 

Drawing from the previous tasks and project results, we will generate strategic priorities and produce a proof of concept document to inform stakeholders about requirements in data collection, and in the knowledge base and research methodology needed for successful implementation of ecocentric fisheries management. Finally, we will recommend best practices for monitoring programs and for the institutional framework needed to provide advice for the implementation of ecocentric fisheries management in Europe.









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