MERMAN+: Pioneering Marine Environmental Data Management
The Marine Environment Monitoring and Assessment National Database-Plus (V2.0) is a cornerstone project managed by Texuna Technologies Ltd, dedicated to collecting, storing, and providing high-quality marine environmental data. This data is pivotal for meeting the UK’s statutory and international reporting obligations, supporting policy decisions, and promoting marine environmental protection. The platform is managed and maintained by Texuna and operated by the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) on behalf of Defra and its co-sponsors.
Overview
MERMAN+ collects data under the Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP), formerly known as the National Marine Monitoring Programme (NMMP). It ensures the quality and availability of data collected by seven UK Competent Monitoring Authorities (CMAs). This data is essential for statutory national and international environmental assessments and fulfilling UK’s mandatory obligations under the Oslo Paris Convention (OSPAR) and the UK Marine Strategy Regulations.
Key Features:
Quality Assurance
MERMAN+ collaborates with the National Marine Analytical Quality Control groups (NMAQC) to ensure all data meets stringent quality standards. This partnership guarantees that the collected data is accurate, reliable, and fit for use in policy-making and environmental protection initiatives.
Timely Data Coordination
MERMAN+ validates data submissions from CMAs to meet both national and international deadlines. By ensuring that data is always up-to-date and reliable, MERMAN+ supports timely and effective environmental assessments and reporting.
Accessibility
Designed with the user in mind, MERMAN+ provides a user-friendly web interface that complies with GOV.UK standards. This ensures that marine environmental data is widely accessible to researchers, policymakers, and the public, facilitating informed decision-making and transparency.
Services Provided
Helpdesk Support
A dedicated helpdesk is available to address any issues related to data or reference submissions and report creation and to support third-party data requests. This service ensures that users have the assistance they need to efficiently submit and access data.
Training and Resources
In collaboration with BODC, Texuna offers annual MERMAN+ workshops and regularly updates its user guides, templates, and reference materials. These resources help CMAs and other users understand and utilise the data submission process and make the most of the available data.
Web Development
MERMAN+ maintains a central, easily accessible web presence to provide up-to-date information and data access. This platform is continuously developed to improve user experience and data accessibility.
Importance and Impact
Supporting Marine Environmental Protection
MERMAN+ plays a critical role in marine environmental protection by providing the data needed for effective monitoring and assessment. This data helps identify and address environmental issues, ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Informing Policy Decisions
The high-quality data provided by MERMAN+ supports policy decisions at both national and international levels. By fulfilling reporting obligations and contributing to environmental assessments, MERMAN+ helps shape policies that protect marine environments.
International Commitments
MERMAN+'s data collection and management efforts support the UK's commitments under international agreements such as the Oslo Paris Convention (OSPAR) and the UK Marine Strategy Regulations. This ensures that the UK meets its obligations and contributes to global marine environmental protection efforts.
Discover more about how MERMAN+ supports marine environmental protection and policymaking by accessing our detailed brochure.