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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 under funded despite its importance to human survival, MPs have warned. 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 £5.4 million less funding last year than in 2003/2004. 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."