First MIDAS Science-Policy meeting takes place

As part of the MIDAS commitment to ensuring that policy-makers and stakeholders have access to the best available scientific, technical and socio-economic knowledge regarding seabed mining, the first MIDAS Science-Policy Panel meeting took place at the European Parliament in Brusssels on 28 November.

Attendees comprised MIDAS scientists and social scientists, representatives from the deep-sea mining industry, NGOs, the European Commission, the European Parliament and regulatory bodies such as OSPAR. The scene was set for the meeting by a rolling presentation that outlined the basic concepts and principles of the MIDAS workplan, followed by a lengthy question and answer session. Presentations from various stakeholder groups alllowed different perspectives on deep-sea mining issues to be aired, and lead to an open discussion of key issues.

A summary report from the meeting will be produced in due course. This meeting is the first in a series of three; future events are planned for 2015 and 2016.