OVERALL OBJECTIVE

Creation of a full structure of cross-border Operational Oceanography that integrates observations with the predictive and analytical capabilities of the existing modeling systems in the Iberian Southwest to provide the end user, in a continuous and early manner, with the pertinent information in the most appropriate way. This structure will provide optimal conditions for a qualitative leap in scientific knowledge of marine processes in the region and will boost the regional blue economy.

The OCASO general objective will be a contribution to the achievement of the Specific Objective of the Investment Priority 1A of the POCTEP program defined as “Improving the scientific excellence of the Cross-Border Cooperation Space through the improvement of the capabilities and resources of R+D+i, as well as support for these activities and lines of research with the potential to be internationally competitive “.

The territory that is the object of the OCASO project, the South-Atlantic European space within the Euroregion Andalucía-Algarve-Alentejo, is greatly determined by its status as a maritime territory. This marine condition manifests an outstanding expression in its historical context, its social structure, its economic differentiation and in its natural environment. That is why we understand that the application of the methodology of full Operational Oceanography (discipline that barely has a couple of decades of existence) is not only innovative but also essential to face problems and alleviate existing and tangible needs in the South Atlantic space, specifically a moderate performance in innovation and a low level of R&D expenditure and the difficulty to take advantage of the R+D+i results of the existing infrastructures and technologies.

In this framework, the specific objectives of OCASO are:

• To develop excellence in the oceanographic research of the south-atlantic space through the creation of a critical mass in research that guarantees the international scientific competence.
• Capitalize and transfer to the social and economic agents the set of knowledge, tools and infrastructures related to the marine environment.
• Actively participate in the sustainable, blue and socially inclusive growth of the regions involved.