SEAS-ERA: An overarching effort to coordinate marine research policies across Europe

The aim of the SEAS-ERA initiative (2010–2014), developed within the European Union Framework Programme (EU FPVII) (contract 249552), was to coordinate the structure of national and regional marine and maritime research programs to empower and strengthen marine research all across Europe. A major goal was the development and implementation of common research strategies and programs related to European seas basins. To achieve this goal, SEAS-ERA was applied at two different levels, regional and pan European, to identify common priorities and needs in five areas, namely strategic planning (marine research agendas), joint research activities (common programs and joint calls), marine research infrastructures and human capacity building to reduce imbalances among regions. SEAS-ERA was also strongly committed to enhancing public awareness of marine and maritime scientific and policy issues in Europe. •Research Funding Agencies developed marine common strategies to construct ERA.•European marine research agendas were developed at basin scale.•Human capacity building is necessary due to the skills required.•An inventory of marine infrastructures is available on-line.•Future strategic developments were identified.