D1.4. Identification report on contribution of a coordinated PRV fleet to fulfilling EU member states' research interests in the Arctic Ocean

The study of the Arctic Ocean has become a priority area of research and innovation in Europe during the past two decades. This report reviews a series of recent national and pan-European Arctic research policies. It illustrates national and international research priorities, the urgent knowledge and data gaps as well as restrictions in accessing research. It then explains how a coordinated PRV
fleet would contribute to fulfilling the common European research goals in the Arctic Ocean. The societal impact of this coordination action would be significant as the benefits include improved forecasting and climate projections, contribution to the development of mitigation strategies for the local and global effects of the changing cryosphere and better tools for ecosystem-based management of the Arctic.