Ocean observing Fixed Platforms are deployed in all the European seas to carry out a large variety of measurements. Fixed platforms are a major contributor to European ocean observing that deliver data to the major European data aggregators, e.g., CMEMS, EMODnet and SeaDataNet.

The Fixed Platforms Task Team is expected to be one of the key communities of practice within EuroGOOS and its member institutes dealing with issues relating to planning, deployment, maintenance, and sustainability of fixed platforms in European open and coastal seas. As all EuroGOOS Task Teams, this activity is an important building block towards an integrated end-to-end European Ocean Observing System, EOOS.

Key objectives

• Develop Europe’s Fixed Platform network and assist in the standardization of operations by sharing best practices, also in keeping with other relevant programmes at global level (such as OOI, ONC, IMOS, DONET).
• Contribute to the development of the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS).
• Ensure the integration of Fixed Platforms in open and coastal ocean.
• Provide European input to the OceanSites community and other relevant initiatives.
• Enhance the number of biogeochemical measurements in European seas.
• Ensure data availability via the EuroGOOS ROOS data portals and hence to CMEMS and EMODnet.
• Deliver recommendations on data structure, format, and dissemination (interoperability of datasets) and quality control procedures.
• Foster the co-operation with Research Vessel operators in terms of existing networks, projects, and other relevant coordination initiatives with large and well-equipped facilities (e.g., ERVO, OFEG and EurofleetsPlus project).
• Establish a link with DBCP (Data Buoy Cooperation Panel) and E-SURFMAR in order to coordinate activities and best practices.
• Link with EuroGOOS ROOSes, Working Groups and Task Teams and relevant ongoing programmes/projects (e.g., CMEMS INSTAC, EMODnet, JERICO-RI, etc.) and Research Infrastructures (such as EMSO ERIC) to avoid duplication of efforts.