A national marine observatory is being developed.   A workshop was held in November 2011, 'Towards a single UK marine observatory', at which representatives from 16 organisations and government agencies were present.  They agreed this purpose statement :

The UK integrated marine observing network serves societal needs by providing reliable marine data and information, for a better understanding of marine systems, improving safety, enhancing our economy and protecting the environment.

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Delivering critical marine information to improve safety, enhance our economy and protect our environment.

UKIMON will support the wider marine observational needs across government.  The work proposed will achieve best use of national capability and promote a high degree of collaboration among agencies to ensure that specific evidence needs can be delivered in the most effective way.  The initiative will ensure that a national marine observatory is in place to improve the evidence base for future assessments of environmental status, using the most cost-effective technologies available to the UK marine science community.

Presentations

The presentations given at the workshop can be accessed here.