MDE Newsletter April 2024
This Marine Data Exchange (MDE) newsletter showcases the breadth of offshore survey data, research and evidence being collected by our customers and partners on the seabed around England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and soon Scotland. We invest in world-class data and evidence, such as the MDE, to fill in evidence gaps which inform decision making, de-risk investment, and unlock barriers facing developments now and in the future.
April 2024
With a busy start to the year, we’ve got many updates for our growing MDE community! Since our January newsletter, we’ve been looking to the future and have been embarking on exciting new projects, and also attending landmark events in the industry. We’ve also launched upgrades that will transform the capabilities of the MDE platform, and have engaged in promising new collaborations. Read on for some of the key highlights and developments as we dive into an eventful 2024:
News
OWEC Update
Visit our new OWEC pages on the MDE HERE
For the last 3 months, the MDE team has been working hard in the background to update our OWEC landing page.
Users will now be able to find OWEC project information, including project objectives, whether a project is live or completed, associated organisations and funders, as well as final outputs for each project.
We hope this new update will increase knowledge sharing, reduce duplication of effort as well as spark further collaboration with organisations.
Please note that projects are being updated weekly with more information.
The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland collaboration
Development is progressing to onboard data from offshore developments in Scottish waters, and The Crown Estate are supporting the transfer of knowledge to Crown Estate Scotland.
The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland are hoping to launch in spring and to follow with an agreement that sets out the collaboration needed to ensure that the levels of customer service and trust in the MDE as a brand continue across the UK, that data quality and standards are aligned, and that Crown Estate Scotland and The Crown Estate are utilising the data holding to drive value for the marine sector; specifically supporting the acceleration of offshore wind, as identified as an opportunity by the former offshore wind champion.
Going forward offshore developers across the UK will have access to the MDE Submissions Portal, publicly available survey data from Scottish developments will start to become available through the MDE public website and search functionality, and you can expect to see new content on the MDE curated by The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland.
North Wales Marine Futures Internship
We are excited to announce the launch of our North Wales Marine Futures Internship. Funded by The Crown Estate, project managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust and supported by Menter Mon and MSParc, this internship offers a unique opportunity for candidates interested in a career in the marine environment to gain skills, knowledge and experience across a variety of marine sectors; helping to inform and shape future career opportunities. From coastal conservation to marine data analysis, successful candidates will work alongside industry professionals, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to meaningful projects that make a tangible impact.
Projekt Renewable Grimsby
Grimsby is embracing the opportunities presented by the offshore wind industry through Projekt Renewable Grimsby. The projekt aims to bridge the gap between industry and community, inspiring the next generation and catalysing the town's green economic regeneration. To learn more about the Crown Estate's involvement, check out the "Projekt Podkast" where Chelsea and Tazz discuss the future of the marine industry and their organisation's role in supporting Projekt Renewables Grimsby. This podcast offers an insightful look at how stakeholders are collaborating to unlock the potential of this burgeoning sector in the local area.
MDE Website Updates
Blogs
As custodians of marine data and champions of offshore industries, we are excited to announce the launch of our new blog series that will allow us to share insights from offshore industry data and speak to the latest marine research and evidence, and incredible career pathways within the world of marine. These blog posts aim to provide data-driven storytelling that inspires informed perspectives, on the vital role of the seabed in the UK's economic and environmental targets.
We hope to shed light on the complexities of the offshore industry and offer a deeper understanding and fresh perspectives as we harness the wealth of data available on the MDE. These blogs will distil information into easily understandable narratives that benefit both industry experts and curious minds alike so whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about what lies beneath the waves, join us as we navigate the depths of marine data surrounding the offshore industry to uncover treasures of knowledge.
International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, here on the MDE, we have showcased the work of 6 inspirational women driving change across various facets of the marine sector. From advocates championing conservation efforts to researchers uncovering the mysteries of the deep, their stories serve as a testament to the invaluable impact of women in safeguarding and sustainably managing our oceans, paving the way for future generations to explore and protect the marine ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.
New Authentication system
To prioritising data protection and user privacy, we've implemented new authentication system to fortify the security of our website. the new multi-factor authentication measures will ensure that your sensitive information and the wealth of data hosted by the Marine Data Exchange remains safeguarded from unauthorised access. With heightened security checkpoints in place, you can navigate our platform with confidence, knowing that your data is well-protected against potential threats. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity, providing you with a secure and trustworthy online experience.
To ensure a smooth transition we have provided detailed instruction guiding the members of our community through the set-up process.
Latest Series
Events
Conferences
We have recently attended several influential conferences focused on the marine industry, offshore renewable energy, and environmental research which provided valuable insights into the needs of our communities and how we can better provide valuable data insights from our world leading data platform.
Key take aways:
The conferences showcased the ongoing research and innovations taking place in the offshore wind industry providing opportunities for the MDE to connect with researchers and encourage data sharing.
There is a need for greater diversity and inclusion within the marine industry which aligns with the MDE's goal of bringing together diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaboration through open data sharing.
The conferences highlighted critical research needs and ecological evidence gaps related to offshore renewable energy development, calling for platforms such as the MDE to address these gaps by facilitating data sharing, collaboration, and accessibility
Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024
On Friday 16th February, The Crown Estate hosted The Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards Ceremony at One Heddon Street. The annual competition, based in the UK, celebrating photography beneath the ocean, lakes, rivers and even swimming pools and attracts entries from all around the world.
Photography serves as a powerful medium for capturing the intricate beauty and ecological significance of the vibrant and diverse marine environment, making it a valuable form of data in its own right. The event reminded us of the wealth of insights that visual data can provide. From Alex Dawson's 'Whale bones' to Kirsty Andrews 'Bottled blenny,' each photograph offers a unique perspective on marine life and the complexities of ecosystems, contributing to our collective understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.
Explore the winning images and their narratives in the UPY yearbook and discover the profound impact of photography in enriching our knowledge of marine environments.
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