We live a crucial moment, nowadays, in the National, European and International strategic definition of the management of the Oceans.

Nationally, after the Report of the Oceans Strategic Committee, approved in 2004, which contained approximately 250 proposals and action measures, and of the National Sea Strategy, approved in November 2006, the time is nearing for the approval, by the Inter-Ministerial Commission for Sea Matters, of the Detailed Action Plan. On the other hand, the Mission Structure for the Extension of the Continental Shelf continues its work in order to present to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, until May 2009, a proposal for the extension of the limits of our continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical miles.

With respect to Europe, after the ample public discussion of the Green Paper “For a Future Maritime Policy of the Union: a European View of the Oceans and the Seas”, the European Commission is preparing to present, on October 10 next, its proposal for European Maritime Policy together with the respective Action Plan. It so happens that an EU Ministerial Conference will be held in Lisbon, on October 22, to discuss European Maritime Policy.

Internationally there are several initiatives under consideration, particularly as regards the United Nations, concerning issues such as the creation of protected marine waters and the juridical system for the protection of the underwater cultural heritage and marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

In this context it is important that Portugal finds the strategies and the mechanisms which may allow it to better exploit, in an integrated perspective, the resources of the Oceans and of the coastal zones, encouraging R&D, the growth of economic activity, employment and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage.

At a time when the economy of the sea represents globally 4.4 billion €, it is important that Portugal takes advantage not only of the traditional activities such as maritime transport, fishing, fish industry and tourism, but also opportunities for R&D and for entrepreneurial innovation surrounding the new economic activities linked to the sea and to the coastal zones, such as offshore fish farming, wave and tidal energy, offshore wind energy, biotechnology and marine robotics.

This Third Campaign of the Route to Science will constitute an opportunity to show sound examples of R&D and innovation connected to the sciences and technologies of the sea.

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