OSPAR Science Agenda Knowledge Gap Portal
Welcome to the OSPAR Science Agenda knowledge gap portal. The page showcases important scientific questions and evidence needs identified by OSPAR to help protect and sustainably manage the North-East Atlantic. Use the filters and search options below to explore knowledge gaps by topic, category, region, and status, or browse visually to discover areas where new research, data, or collaborations are needed. The aim is to make it easy for anyone - scientists, funders, and policy makers to understand the current priorities, access key details, and get involved in helping to close these important gaps for a healthier ocean future.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 items
Links between changes in the physical and chemical ocean climate
ID Number: A3.03
Knowledge gap description: Improved understanding of the fundamental links between changes in the physical and chemical ocean climate, the marine ecosystem, and human activities in the marine environment. Causal links between these changes and other OSPAR receptors (species, habitats, hazardous substances, marine litter, eutrophication, radioactive substances) are unknown, including the complex interactions between these.
Topics:
Knowledge Gap Category:
7. emerging issues of human activities
Assessment Category:
Thematic assessment
Relevant for MSFD Art 8:
N/A
Implementation Status
OSPAR Region: All Regions
Source of knowledge gap: QSR2023 - Climate Change Thematic Assessment
Impacts of climate change and ocean acidification
ID Number: A3.04
Knowledge gap description: A lack of distinction of the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification from those of other processes that are either primary or managed drivers. This includes how indicators change in response to these multiple stressors.
Knowledge Gap Category:
1. indicator development
Assessment Category:
Thematic assessment
Relevant for MSFD Art 8:
N/A
Implementation Status
OSPAR Region: All Regions
Source of knowledge gap: QSR2023 - Climate Change Thematic Assessment
Reporting from carbon storage projects
ID Number: TBC
Knowledge gap description: Carbon capture and storage: need for improved and refined reporting to OSPAR on environmental monitoring from carbon dioxide storage projects.
Topics:
Knowledge Gap Category:
7. emerging issues of human activities
Assessment Category:
Thematic assessment
Relevant for MSFD Art 8:
N/A
Implementation Status
OSPAR Region: All Regions
Source of knowledge gap: QSR2023 - Human Activities Thematic Assessment
Impact of artificial structures on birds
ID Number: TBC
Knowledge gap description: The influence of artificial structures on the nesting population of marine birds
Knowledge Gap Category:
4. data coverage, 7. emerging issues of human activities
Assessment Category:
N/A
Relevant for MSFD Art 8:
D1C2
Impact of offshore chemicals on eutrophication
ID Number: TBC
Knowledge gap description: The impact of offshore chemicals on eutrophication status of the OSPAR maritime area is unknown.
Knowledge Gap Category:
4. data coverage
Assessment Category:
N/A
Relevant for MSFD Art 8:
D5C1, D5C2, D5C3, D5C4, D5C5, D5C6, D5C7, D5C8