IHCantabria and INTA organize the online event ‘Copernicus in marine applications: Opportunities and training’.

The Institute of Environmental Hydraulics of the University of Cantabria(IHCantabria) and the National Institute for Aerospace Technology(INTA) jointly held the online event “Copernicus in Marine Applications: Opportunities and Training” on October 15 and 16. This event, which consisted of two awareness sessions and one training session, and was free of charge, was a valuable opportunity to learn, collaborate and discover how Copernicus can drive innovation in the maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The objective of this event was to disseminate the capabilities of Copernicus for the Spanish marine sectors (maritime, fishing and aquaculture) and to prepare users in some specific techniques; in addition to promoting the meeting between professionals linked to these sectors and suppliers of Copernicus products and services that can contribute to solving the main needs identified.

The celebration of this event, in which more than 200 people participated, is part of the action “Copernicus uptake for the maritime sector”, of the FPCUP program(Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake), of the European Commission. It is coordinated in Spain by IHCantabria and INTA, with the support of the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS). Through this initiative, the aim is to raise awareness of Copernicus capabilities for the Spanish marine sectors, providing a platform for professionals and service providers based on Earth Observation data to exchange ideas and experiences.

Two days with a practical and collaborative approach

The first day has presented what Copernicus can contribute to the main marine sectors; therefore, being focused on the awareness of Copernicus and FPCUP users, it has been an introduction to the program and its applications. It has addressed the needs and gaps identified by users in the use of this tool, as well as facilitated a public debate on the common problems faced by the marine sector in Spain. In addition, an informative session was held on the funding opportunities available for the development of projects based on these products and services.

On the second day, specific workshops were held to train users in key techniques and resources related to Earth Observation products. These hands-on workshops, designed to improve user skills, were designed to help users maximize their use of the services offered by Copernicus.

Beatriz Echavarri, representing IHCantabria, and Eduardo de Miguel Llanes, from INTA, were in charge of the organization of this event. Also collaborating from IHCantabria were Ana Silió-Calzada, Bárbara Ondiviela, Francisco Royano and Carlos V. C. Weiss; and from INTA, Juan José Peón and Laura Carretero Medina supported this event. Phe event was supported by Valentina Giunta, from Mercator’s Copernicus Marine Service.

Copernicus: Earth Observation in the service of the marine industry

The Copernicus program, an initiative of the European Union, provides Earth observation data through Sentinel satellite missions and in situ data, with free access for its users. This information is essential to support the maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in making strategic decisions and developing innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the marine environment.

This event offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the Spanish marine sector to learn first-hand about the advantages that Copernicus can offer them, in addition to being a space for training and meetings between users and service providers specialized in Earth observation data.

Registration and more information

Registration for this Copernicus event was free of charge and it was possible to register separately (for each day), or to attend both sessions. More information about this event, through the following link: Copernicus in Marine Applications | Copernicus in Marine Applications: Awareness, Needs and Opportunities