Managing cross-cutting issues in policymaking requires the integration of scientific evidence into effective policy. Translating ATLAS' scientific findings to policy and practice will ultimately inform national and international agreements regarding Blue Growth and systematic conservation planning. Such agreements spanning areas across and outside of national jurisdictions are key to sustaining and managing marine resources effectively and in an equitable manner.

ATLAS is using the successful Science-Policy Panel model, developed by partners in previous projects, to ensure the EC’s Director Generals receive scientific information ahead of official publication and in good time, providing a strategic advantage for EU decision-makers. The SPP will thus provide the EU with science-based recommendations to inform the Atlantic Strategy and its Action Plan supporting both a multi-level governance approach and spatial planning policy for the Atlantic. WP7 will generate synergies with other European policies in the areas of research and innovation, transport, the environment, energy, technology, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture and international cooperation. It will also inform and engage with international processes making a concerted effort to put the objectives of the Galway Statement into practice.

Key objectives

• Suggested priorities for future evaluation of Atlantic Area-Based Marine Management Tools
• Input to a new legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
• Recommendations for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Common Fisheries Policy and Marine Spatial Planning
• Contributions to the regulation of deep-sea fisheries
• Integration of findings to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 14

Meet the Team

Lead: Prof. David Johnson (Seascape Consultants)

Prof. David Johnson is Director of Seascape Consultants Ltd and Emeritus Professor of Coastal Management at the UK Southampton Solent University. He was previously Executive Secretary to the OSPAR Commission (2006-2012) and his career has included work in practical conservation, environmental consultancy, and higher education as well as intergovernmental marine environmental protection. His PhD considered the conservation of intertidal wetlands and he has led international work on Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas. He is a Chartered Geographer and Chartered Scientist. In 2002 David held a Caird Fellowship at the UK National Maritime Museum. He is currently on the Steering Group of the Global Ocean Forum and the IUCN High Seas Task Force. He is a member of the GESAMP pool of experts and a Visiting Professor at the World Maritime University in Malmo Sweden. During his time with OSPAR, David helped re-focus the work of the Commission, through production of the Quality Status Report 2010, taking into account the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, climate change impacts and the challenge of Marine Protected Areas in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. In 2010, in recognition for establishing the world’s first network of High Seas Marine Protected Areas, OSPAR received a WWF ‘Gift to the Earth’ Award. David is Coordinator of the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, a consultant to the UNESCO World Heritage Marine team and Chairman of ACOPS a UK NGO.