FASTNEt KE Project

The FASTNEt project aims to develop our understanding of the ocean-shelf exchange. This complex environment plays host to a critical biogeochemical flux, essential to maintaining shelf water quality and productivity. Utilising new observational techniques, the programme will build upon our existing knowledge to characterise and model the physical, biological, and chemical processes within the ocean-shelf sea margin, constructing a new paradigm of ocean-shelf sea exchange.

The development of Glider and AUVS technology is widely regarded as a means to enable monitoring strategies that are both accurate and cost effective. This project will aim to ensure that ongoing developments in NERC Shelf Sea Science (SSS) can be used effectively by those working in connection with the implementation of the MSFD within UK, namely DEFRA and JNCC. The programme also aims to engage with members of the oil & gas sector, enabling collaboration and knowledge transfer to assist with risk management and monitoring, utilising new technologies within areas such as oil spill base-line screening, detection, and analysis. As such, two year KE project will work towards two main objectives detailed below.

Objective 1: To strengthen the uptake and application of NERC SSS in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) evidence base used by DEFRA.

Objective 2: To facilitate the transition and application of NERC SSS in areas of strategic importance to the UK oil & gas sector.

In order to achieve these objectives, the project will look to build links between the FASTNEt programme and industry and marine policy sectors through a series of consultations, workshops, and wider dissemination (i.e. social media). The project will facilitate new collaborative opportunities, alongside delivering knowledge translation outputs, tailored to specific end-users.

This will be achieved through a series of key activities based on the six deliverables set out in the call document.

1. Develop and execute an effective dissemination strategy based around producing showcase material and introducing social media management.
2. Build a broad network of key organisations across both policy and industry sectors to develop detailed understanding of end-user challenges and technology priorities, facilitating future collaboration and knowledge transfer.
3. Develop a number of scientific outputs that translate programme knowledge into an understandable and workable format to meet end-user requirements.