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Key sea research 'badly funded' | Key sea research 'badly funded' |
(about 15 hours later) | |
Scientific research into the seas is disorganised and underfunded despite its importance to human survival, MPs have warned. | |
Members of the Science and Technology Select Committee say the UK has the potential to be at the forefront of marine science. | Members of the Science and Technology Select Committee say the UK has the potential to be at the forefront of marine science. |
It is an area of research that could contribute to nearly every industry, from healthcare to cosmetics, it says. | It is an area of research that could contribute to nearly every industry, from healthcare to cosmetics, it says. |
But funding has fallen in real terms over the past decade, the MPs report. | But funding has fallen in real terms over the past decade, the MPs report. |
The marine science and technology sector received £5.4m less funding last year than in 2003/2004. | |
The oceans must be "explored, monitored, studied and understood more thoroughly than has been the case up to now", the MPs said. | The oceans must be "explored, monitored, studied and understood more thoroughly than has been the case up to now", the MPs said. |
'Deeply disappointed' | 'Deeply disappointed' |
This is because of their importance to climate, biodiversity, renewable energy resources, food supply and other services. | This is because of their importance to climate, biodiversity, renewable energy resources, food supply and other services. |
The committee called for the creation of a new marine agency to co-ordinate marine science and ocean monitoring. | The committee called for the creation of a new marine agency to co-ordinate marine science and ocean monitoring. |
It would also promote education in schools, universities and to the public, work with industry and oversee a national marine science strategy. | It would also promote education in schools, universities and to the public, work with industry and oversee a national marine science strategy. |
The MPs also urged the government to bring forward a draft Marine Bill without delay. | The MPs also urged the government to bring forward a draft Marine Bill without delay. |
Committee chairman Phil Willis said: "We have been deeply disappointed at the apparent low regard in which marine science and the study of the sea is held by the government. | Committee chairman Phil Willis said: "We have been deeply disappointed at the apparent low regard in which marine science and the study of the sea is held by the government. |
"This field of research lacks resources, attention, co-ordination and an official champion." | "This field of research lacks resources, attention, co-ordination and an official champion." |
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