Download - COB English brochure
Centro Oceanográfico de BalearesInstituto Español de Oceanografía
Knowledge, experience and infrastructures to serve our society
1
The Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (COB)
A CENTURY OF
RESEARCHINGOUR SEAS
The Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares
(Balearic Oceanography Centre - COB) is one of
nine coastal stations that the Instituto Español de
Oceanografía (Spanish Institute of Oceanography
- IEO) operates along the coast of the Spanish
mainland and islands. Since its inception in 1906,
its primary objective has been to use a multidis-
ciplinary and comprehensive approach to inves-
tigate marine biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics,
and the ecology and relationship of species with
fishing activities and the environment.
Currently, a team of about 70 people, work
to respond to the main challenges faced by ocea-
nographers today: climate change, biodiversity
conservation, sustainable use and management
of marine ecosystems, protection of specific
habitats and the modelling and prediction of
ocean dynamics.
The COB conducts research, technology
development and outreach projects, as well
as the training of research and technical
personnel in marine science subjects ranging
from observation and experimentation to the
analysis of samples and data and the reporting
of results. All these activities are conducted
using modern scientific and technical
equipment. Based at the COB headquarters
in Palma, the institute also operates a variety
of oceanographic research vessels of different
sizes, and a tide gauge station.
Since 2009, the COB has charted the
scientific direction of the new research station,
Jaume Ferrer, at the Mola de Menorca, through
a collaborative agreement between the
Govern de les Illes Balears and the IEO; soon it
will expand its facilities to the Balearic R+D+i
Complex building located in the Parc Bit.
The broad array of knowledge generated
by this effort allows the COB to offer a wide
range of services and products to different
economic sectors in both government and
private organizations as well as companies
that are involved in the use and management
of the marine environment and the
exploitation of living resources
1
The Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (COB)
A CENTURY OF
RESEARCHINGOUR SEAS
The Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares
(Balearic Oceanography Centre - COB) is one of
nine coastal stations that the Instituto Español de
Oceanografía (Spanish Institute of Oceanography
- IEO) operates along the coast of the Spanish
mainland and islands. Since its inception in 1906,
its primary objective has been to use a multidis-
ciplinary and comprehensive approach to inves-
tigate marine biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics,
and the ecology and relationship of species with
fishing activities and the environment.
Currently, a team of about 70 people, work
to respond to the main challenges faced by ocea-
nographers today: climate change, biodiversity
conservation, sustainable use and management
of marine ecosystems, protection of specific
habitats and the modelling and prediction of
ocean dynamics.
The COB conducts research, technology
development and outreach projects, as well
as the training of research and technical
personnel in marine science subjects ranging
from observation and experimentation to the
analysis of samples and data and the reporting
of results. All these activities are conducted
using modern scientific and technical
equipment. Based at the COB headquarters
in Palma, the institute also operates a variety
of oceanographic research vessels of different
sizes, and a tide gauge station.
Since 2009, the COB has charted the
scientific direction of the new research station,
Jaume Ferrer, at the Mola de Menorca, through
a collaborative agreement between the
Govern de les Illes Balears and the IEO; soon it
will expand its facilities to the Balearic R+D+i
Complex building located in the Parc Bit.
The broad array of knowledge generated
by this effort allows the COB to offer a wide
range of services and products to different
economic sectors in both government and
private organizations as well as companies
that are involved in the use and management
of the marine environment and the
exploitation of living resources
The research conducted at the COB is determined by R+D+i programs made by different administrations, that are inspired in turn by societal needs, social welfare and the principles of sustainable development. The COB operates with an annual budget of approximately EUR 2 million. This is largely funded by programs for research projects and activities issued by the R+D+i National Plan, the European Framework Programme, the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan of the Govern de les Illes Balears and by bilateral agreements with central and regional administrations, foundations and the productive sector.
2 The research fields
Funding of research projects and complementary activities
(2008-2010):
European UnionSpanish StateGovern de les Illes BalearsOthers
The research effort is primarily directed toward the study of:
∑ Oceanographic processes in the western Mediterranean; in particular the sea around the Balearic Islands, with a special focus on oceanographic changes driven by climate change.
∑ The ecology and population dynamics of commercially exploited species, and the study of the biotic and abiotic factors affecting these species and their ecosystems.
∑The development and transfer of technical measures for the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity conservation.
Through measurement of marine processes and analysis and data modeling, researchers can provide continuous projections for use in improving the assessment and management of the local marine environment.
The research conducted at the COB is determined by R+D+i programs made by different administrations, that are inspired in turn by societal needs, social welfare and the principles of sustainable development. The COB operates with an annual budget of approximately EUR 2 million. This is largely funded by programs for research projects and activities issued by the R+D+i National Plan, the European Framework Programme, the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan of the Govern de les Illes Balears and by bilateral agreements with central and regional administrations, foundations and the productive sector.
2 The research fields
Funding of research projects and complementary activities
(2008-2010):
European UnionSpanish StateGovern de les Illes BalearsOthers
The research effort is primarily directed toward the study of:
∑ Oceanographic processes in the western Mediterranean; in particular the sea around the Balearic Islands, with a special focus on oceanographic changes driven by climate change.
∑ The ecology and population dynamics of commercially exploited species, and the study of the biotic and abiotic factors affecting these species and their ecosystems.
∑The development and transfer of technical measures for the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity conservation.
Through measurement of marine processes and analysis and data modeling, researchers can provide continuous projections for use in improving the assessment and management of the local marine environment.
3 The research groups
The research groups currently active in the COB are:
Our activity in numbers:Human Resources (2008-2010)
Researchers
Technicians
Administration
Personnel in training
Scientific production (2008-2010)
Articles in scientific magazinesTechnical and scientific reportsCommunications to meetings
Projects and activities Human Resources
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
∑ Climate Change in the Mediterranean: monitoring and modelling of impacts observed
through marine hydrodynamics
∑ Ecology of planktonic communities of the western Mediterranean: study of the lower trophic
levels of the marine ecosystem
∑ Larval ecology and recruitment processes: analysis of initial stages in the development of fish,
crustaceans and cephalopods
∑ Fisheries acoustics: the use of the sound to study the sea floor and marine living resources.
∑ Fisheries discards: the study of the impact of fishing on the marine environment and
development of technical solutions to reduce unnecessary waste from fishing.
∑ Marine reserves and coastal ecology: evaluation of the effects of marine spatial planning and
protection policies on coastal ecosystems, their species and the artisanal fisheries.
∑ Ecosystems, demersal resources and benthos: study of the bottom dwelling species and
habitats and evaluation of their exploitation status.
In recent years, the COB has increased its human resources as well as the number of research
projects and complementary activities. The results of COB research are published as articles
in scientific journals and presented at international conferences that provide the basis for
reporting COB scientific and technical advice.SCI articles
3 The research groups
The research groups currently active in the COB are:
Our activity in numbers:Human Resources (2008-2010)
Researchers
Technicians
Administration
Personnel in training
Scientific production (2008-2010)
Articles in scientific magazinesTechnical and scientific reportsCommunications to meetings
Projects and activities Human Resources
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
∑ Climate Change in the Mediterranean: monitoring and modelling of impacts observed
through marine hydrodynamics
∑ Ecology of planktonic communities of the western Mediterranean: study of the lower trophic
levels of the marine ecosystem
∑ Larval ecology and recruitment processes: analysis of initial stages in the development of fish,
crustaceans and cephalopods
∑ Fisheries acoustics: the use of the sound to study the sea floor and marine living resources.
∑ Fisheries discards: the study of the impact of fishing on the marine environment and
development of technical solutions to reduce unnecessary waste from fishing.
∑ Marine reserves and coastal ecology: evaluation of the effects of marine spatial planning and
protection policies on coastal ecosystems, their species and the artisanal fisheries.
∑ Ecosystems, demersal resources and benthos: study of the bottom dwelling species and
habitats and evaluation of their exploitation status.
In recent years, the COB has increased its human resources as well as the number of research
projects and complementary activities. The results of COB research are published as articles
in scientific journals and presented at international conferences that provide the basis for
reporting COB scientific and technical advice.SCI articles
4 Development of scientific activities
To support its research activities
the COB has a fleet of vessels and a wide
range of modern scientific and technical
equipment.
•COB’s fleet consists of the
oceanographic research vessel (ORV) Odon
de Buen (24 meters in length) and a range of
smaller boats, equipped with modern systems
for marine research. Together these provide
a variety of platforms for sampling and data
collection at sea. If necessary, the COB can
provide research groups access to larger ships,
such as ORV Francisco de Paula Navarro, ORV
Cornide de Saavedra and ORV Sarmiento de
Gamboa, among others. These are essential
platforms to conduct high quality research in
marine science and technology.
A FLEET OF OCEANOGRAPHIC VESSELS RESEARCHING ANY SEAS AT FULL CAPACITY
“The ocean belongs to everyone and to nobody; its rewards are for daring thinkers, scientists with the greatest spirit of adventure, and those willing to do the hardest and best organized work”
Odón de Buen
4 Development of scientific activities
To support its research activities
the COB has a fleet of vessels and a wide
range of modern scientific and technical
equipment.
•COB’s fleet consists of the
oceanographic research vessel (ORV) Odon
de Buen (24 meters in length) and a range of
smaller boats, equipped with modern systems
for marine research. Together these provide
a variety of platforms for sampling and data
collection at sea. If necessary, the COB can
provide research groups access to larger ships,
such as ORV Francisco de Paula Navarro, ORV
Cornide de Saavedra and ORV Sarmiento de
Gamboa, among others. These are essential
platforms to conduct high quality research in
marine science and technology.
A FLEET OF OCEANOGRAPHIC VESSELS RESEARCHING ANY SEAS AT FULL CAPACITY
“The ocean belongs to everyone and to nobody; its rewards are for daring thinkers, scientists with the greatest spirit of adventure, and those willing to do the hardest and best organized work”
Odón de Buen
LAST WORD IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
•Equipment
The COB has a wide range of modern
scientific and technical equipment for
datalogging and water sampling throughout
the water column (CTD depth sounders,
rosette with hydrographic bottles, etc.), along
the bottom, on the surface and within the
marine sediment (nets and several kinds of
dredges). In addition there are modern tools
for direct underwater observation (remotely
operated vehicles or ROVs, photography and
a towed video sled) and a scientific echo
sounder for acoustic exploration of the marine
environment. Detailed analysis of samples is
performed by the different COB laboratories:
chemical, acoustics, dissection and study of
biological samples, microscopy and image
analysis
“Research is seeing what everybody sees and thinking what no one thinks “
Albert Szent Gyorgi
LAST WORD IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
•Equipment
The COB has a wide range of modern
scientific and technical equipment for
datalogging and water sampling throughout
the water column (CTD depth sounders,
rosette with hydrographic bottles, etc.), along
the bottom, on the surface and within the
marine sediment (nets and several kinds of
dredges). In addition there are modern tools
for direct underwater observation (remotely
operated vehicles or ROVs, photography and
a towed video sled) and a scientific echo
sounder for acoustic exploration of the marine
environment. Detailed analysis of samples is
performed by the different COB laboratories:
chemical, acoustics, dissection and study of
biological samples, microscopy and image
analysis
“Research is seeing what everybody sees and thinking what no one thinks “
Albert Szent Gyorgi
5 Collaborative programs
Premises of the Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares
The COB collaborates with a number
of research institutions, universities
and governments, both national and
international, and especially with
agencies whose research is centred in
the Mediterranean region. The COB staff
conducts programs to train researchers
and technical staff that are designed for
researchers, students, managers and users
of the marine environment to help them
carry out activities to promote scientific
culture and dissemination of science.
CONSTANTLY COLLABORATING WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND PROMOTING SCIENTIFIC CULTURE
5 Collaborative programs
Premises of the Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares
The COB collaborates with a number
of research institutions, universities
and governments, both national and
international, and especially with
agencies whose research is centred in
the Mediterranean region. The COB staff
conducts programs to train researchers
and technical staff that are designed for
researchers, students, managers and users
of the marine environment to help them
carry out activities to promote scientific
culture and dissemination of science.
CONSTANTLY COLLABORATING WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND PROMOTING SCIENTIFIC CULTURE
The history of the COB dates back to
1906, when the Laboratorio Biológico-Marino
de Baleares (Balearic Islands Marine Biological
Laboratory) was created. Its first headquarters
were located in Porto Pi harbor, in the bay
of Palma. The founder and first director was
Professor Odon de Buen y Cos, professor of
zoology at the University of Barcelona. From the
start the laboratory was equiped with modern
6 The Balearic Marine-Biological Laboratory
The IEO is a public research
organization under the Ministry of Science
and Innovation. Its mission is the study of the
sea and its resources as well as technological
development and the transfer of knowledge
in marine science. The IEO develops research
projects on marine resources in different
seas and oceans, including their application
to marine farming and multidisciplinary
oceanographic research.
The activities of the IEO are nationally
based, and its facilities have a wide
geographical coverage, with headquarters in
Madrid, nine coastal oceanographic centers
in Santander, Gijón, A Coruña, Vigo, Cádiz,
Tenerife, Málaga, Murcia and Palma, five
experimental aquaculture plants, twelve tide
gauge stations, a satellite image receiving
station and a fleet of six ships of various
tonnage and oceanographic vessels of
smaller size.
The knowledge generated in research
projects and activities undertaken by the
IEO, serve to give specific answers to the
government and the private sector needs
in relation to the rational use of the see
resources, and its protection.
The IEO is directed to give priority in
its oceanographic and fishery research in
the service of state policy, to represent it
at international scientific forums related
to oceanography and fisheries, and to act
as the reference body for the declaration
of fisheries protection zones, and marine
protected areas.
scientific equipment and two boats, the Lacaze-
Duthiers and the Bolivar, which made it possible
to undertake the first oceanographic research
cruises in the western Mediterranean and
thereby develop a foundation for high quality
research. Odon de Buen founded the IEO in
1914, by integrating the laboratories of Palma,
Santander and Malaga into a single agency..
‘What we know is a drop of water; what we ignore is the ocean’Isaac Newton
MULTIDISCIPLINARY OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The history of the COB dates back to
1906, when the Laboratorio Biológico-Marino
de Baleares (Balearic Islands Marine Biological
Laboratory) was created. Its first headquarters
were located in Porto Pi harbor, in the bay
of Palma. The founder and first director was
Professor Odon de Buen y Cos, professor of
zoology at the University of Barcelona. From the
start the laboratory was equiped with modern
6 The Balearic Marine-Biological Laboratory
The IEO is a public research
organization under the Ministry of Science
and Innovation. Its mission is the study of the
sea and its resources as well as technological
development and the transfer of knowledge
in marine science. The IEO develops research
projects on marine resources in different
seas and oceans, including their application
to marine farming and multidisciplinary
oceanographic research.
The activities of the IEO are nationally
based, and its facilities have a wide
geographical coverage, with headquarters in
Madrid, nine coastal oceanographic centers
in Santander, Gijón, A Coruña, Vigo, Cádiz,
Tenerife, Málaga, Murcia and Palma, five
experimental aquaculture plants, twelve tide
gauge stations, a satellite image receiving
station and a fleet of six ships of various
tonnage and oceanographic vessels of
smaller size.
The knowledge generated in research
projects and activities undertaken by the
IEO, serve to give specific answers to the
government and the private sector needs
in relation to the rational use of the see
resources, and its protection.
The IEO is directed to give priority in
its oceanographic and fishery research in
the service of state policy, to represent it
at international scientific forums related
to oceanography and fisheries, and to act
as the reference body for the declaration
of fisheries protection zones, and marine
protected areas.
scientific equipment and two boats, the Lacaze-
Duthiers and the Bolivar, which made it possible
to undertake the first oceanographic research
cruises in the western Mediterranean and
thereby develop a foundation for high quality
research. Odon de Buen founded the IEO in
1914, by integrating the laboratories of Palma,
Santander and Malaga into a single agency..
‘What we know is a drop of water; what we ignore is the ocean’Isaac Newton
MULTIDISCIPLINARY OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Centro Oceanográfico de BalearesInstituto Español de Oceanografía
Address: Moll de Ponent, s/n. 07015, Palma. MallorcaBalearic Islands. Spain
Telephone: +34 971 133 720Fax: +34 971 404 945
—
COB website: www.ba.ieo.es
IEO website: www.ieo.esContact email: [email protected]
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFERMARINE PROTECTED AREAS
BIODIVERSITY
CONSERVATIONCLIMATE CHANGE
TRAINING
LIVING
RESOU
RCESOUTREACH
INNOVATIÓNECOSYSTEMSSUSTAINABILITY
RE
SE
AR
CHTECHNOLOGICAL
DEVELOPMENT