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Mediterranean Targeted Project II-Mass Transfer and Ecosystem Response (MATER):

Managing a Regional Seas Project is a unique experience and a task on its own
by
Andre MONACO1 & Tassos TSELEPIDIS2

1. LSGM, Laboratoire de Sedimentologie et Geochimie Marines, Universite de Perpignan, 52 avenue de Villeneuve, 66860 Perpignan, France
2. IMBC, Institute of Marine Biology of Crete, Department of Marine Ecology, Laboratory of Biological Oceanography, P.O. Box 2214, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Abstract

The MTP II Project has been structured in a way that will best facilitate the acquisition of scientific information and its subsequent dissemination. One of the MTP II-MATER focal points is the existence of a coordination unit consisting of both a scientific coordinator and a project manager. A matrix-like structure has also been established combining scientific topics and disciplines whithin various geographical areas, ecosystem modelling and an efficient data management network. The latter is organised around a data manager in close cooperation with a Data Quality Group, and a network of National Data Groups corresponding to the operational and geographical organisation of the project.

During the first 18 months of activities in MATER and according to the work plan specified in the Technical Annex, intense measurements of physical, biological, chemical and sedimentological processes have been undertaken. To date, shiptime has reached X days (41 oceanographic cruises) and a complete system of information management and dissemination has been set up.

At this stage, a preliminary assessment of the advantages and problems arising during the implementation of large scale projects is attempted by:

  1. the scientific coordinator presenting the overall project management and structure and
  2. a scientist directly involved in both field and laboratory work reporting on the daily scientific activity.

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