"In this respect, Google Ocean is a tool which is in line with our own objectives of making marine knowledge more accessible to the interested or concerned citizen as well as other stakeholders. I would therefore like to express my thanks and gratitude to Google" said Dr. Joe Borg, Member of the European Commission responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
"The simple fact is that we still know very little about the oceans. Therefore, we welcome all the tools that can assist us in understanding better our planet.
"We appreciate the technical challenges and efforts involved in developing Google Ocean. I am certain, from what I have seen, that all of us will be able to understand and appreciate more the wonderful yet fragile marine world that surrounds us.
"Exploration of the seas is no longer only the remit of seafarers. In a way, we have all become armchair explorers since now we can sail and travel far and beyond from within our homes, offices or classrooms.
"Today we are all better aware of the state of our oceans and seas."
In order to respond to the challenges – and opportunities – that our seas provide us with, the European Union has set forward a new way of policy making through the Integrated Maritime Policy.
On its part, the European Commission is therefore setting up a Network to process fragmented data on seabed geology, living species and chemical pollution in order to build up complete sea-basin pictures. This is being done through a European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNET).
"We are confident that this will help us meet the commitments set out in the Marine Strategy in order to achieve good environmental status, help business and authorities plan the routes of undersea pipelines, or show where our coastlines are vulnerable to a rising sea, amongst others", said Dr Borg.
Google Ocean Charts Knowledge and Awareness
EU - Increasing awareness of the seas and knowledge of the oceans is a central objective of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy.
