International co-operation

The basic aim of FINMARI is to assemble Finnish marine research infrastructure into a coherent framework, and connect it to the RI networks on national and international levels in order to:

  • promote the international use of FINMARI RI,
  • facilitate the Finnish scientists in utilizing European marine RI,
  • increase the international collaboration in studies of coastal sea Grand Challenges,
  • improve the transnational links between academia, industry and society and providing sites for multisectoral studies, and
  • contribute to a long-term impact through provision of data and products

Euro-Argo ERIC (partner FMI) is a key player in global Earth Observing systems, providing data for model development and validation, and contributing to ocean and climate change research. FMI is the only partner with activities within Baltic Sea, focusing on development of Argo measurements in shallow and seasonally ice-covered seas, thereby having a specific role in the ERIC and complementing Baltic Sea observation network.

In EMBRC-ERIC, the FINMARI partnership participated in Preparatory Phases building the consortium for marine biology and ecology research, especially providing access to biological resources and research platforms. However, the Finnish national commitment to EMBRC at its current ERIC phase has remained unresolved throughout the preparatory phases. The ASSEMBLE plus H2020 project, led by EMBRC-ERIC, involves FINMARI partners (UHEL leading national node including UTU and ÅAU) and provides Transnational Access to FINMARI RI, representing the only Baltic Sea access in the network.

ICOS-ERIC (partner FMI) interfaces with FINMARI in ocean observations. The German ICOS-partner IOW has established an ICOS Ocean station on Ship-of-Opportunity Finnmaid and collaborates with SYKE, who is maintaining the onboard Ferrybox system as part of its Alg@line monitoring network. Silja Serenade Ferrybox-line (part of Alg@line network) between Helsinki and Stockholm, jointly operated by SYKE and FMI, is becoming a part of ICOS Ocean Thematic Center in 2021. A clear engagement between FINMARI and ICOS is the Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station in proximity to the ICOS ERIC station.

FINMARI (SYKE, FMI) has been actively involved in the development of JERICO-RI for European Coastal Observatories during 3 successive INFRAIA project stages (2011-present). SYKE has currently (H2020 JERICO-S3) a key role in the integration of trans-institutional and transnational operations, leading the WP for constructing JERICO-RI Pilot Supersites for coastal observation. In 2020, JERICO-RI applies for ESFRI Roadmap, and has already funding 2020-2023 for Design Study, where SYKE leads the technical design for an operational JERICO-RI. FIRI Committee at the Academy of Finland decided on national support for the ESFRI proposal in June 2020.

In the experimental AQUACOSM-RI (partners SYKE, UHEL), FINMARI contributes to the joint studies along environmental and geographical gradients, and SYKE leads a Task for development of a modular automated sampling, measurement and control system for mesocosm research. SYKE advances imaging-in-flow methods and has led the science strategy Task for AQUACOSM-RI, addressing the key scientific questions relevant for Sustainable Development Goals in aquatic systems. Both JERICO-RI and AQUACOSM-RI projects include Transnational Access programs, through which several international groups have accessed FINMARI facilities for sensor developments and leading-edge research.

FINMARI is well presented also in various other H2020-funded marine RI projects. FMI is a partner in H2020 GROOM II RI-project, which develops and enhances use of underwater gliders and their data exchange in Europe. EUROFLEETS is an EU RI initiative facilitating open free-of-charge access to an integrated and advanced marine research vessel fleet. Within EUROFLEETS+ H2020 project, SYKE provides Transnational Access to RV Aranda. FMI is a partner in the H2020 ARICE project, which is a consortium of research icebreaker owners and users. The aim of the project is to develop and coordinate ship-based research in the Arctic Ocean.

EU marine data portals and aggregators have a key position in the provision of open access to marine data, and in providing data products and services. FINMARI is well positioned in these RIs, especially by the research institute partners. The most noteworthy contribution of FINMARI in this context is the GTK leadership of the EMODnet Geology Portal, an important source of information for a wide range of government, industry and research users. SYKE and FMI contribute to Chemistry and Physics Portals and SYKE to Biology, Physics and Seabed Habitats Portals.

The Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service CMEMS provides EU-wide regular and systematic core reference information on the state of the physical oceans and regional seas. SYKE and FMI participate actively in various developments and as the key data providers from the Baltic Sea. SeaDataNet is a distributed Marine Data Infrastructure for the management of large and diverse sets of data derived from the seas and oceans, connecting more than 100 European data centers, including SYKE and FMI.

EuroGOOS (FMI as member, SYKE as collaborator) is the European component of the Global Ocean Observing System GOOS, with working groups and task teams working towards integrated, sustained and fit-for-purpose European ocean observing. GTK is the national delegate in the Science Support and Advisory Committee of ECORD, the European branch of the International Ocean Discovery Program IODP, RI for scientific ocean drilling.

Finally, FINMARI partners have long and widely collaborated with the well-established international organizations ICES and HELCOM, which are fluent in data services, knowledge creation and in providing scientific advice.

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EMBRC contact
 Joanna Norkko, Tvärminne Zoological Station, UHEL

Euro-Argo contact
Jari Haapala, Finnish Meteorological Institute FMI

JERICO-RI contacts
Lauri Laakso, Finnish Meteorological Institute FMI
Jukka Seppälä, Finnish environment Institute SYKE                                                                           

ICOS contact
Lauri Laakso, Finnish Meteorological Institute FMI