ATLAS not only used trans-Atlantic oceanographic arrays to understand and predict future change in living marine resources, but enhanced their capacity with new sensors to make measurements directly relevant to ecosystem function. The ATLAS team had the track record needed to meet the project’s ambitions and has already developed a programme of 25 deep-sea cruises, with more pending final decision. These cruises studied a network of 12 Case Studies spanning the Atlantic including sponge, cold-water coral, seamount and mid-ocean ridge ecosystems. The team has an unprecedented track record in policy development at national, European and international levels.
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