Conceptual Basis for Research Infrastructure Restoration to Ensure Marine Studies in Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. Substantiation and formulation of conceptual basis to establish an effective National marine research system as a basic constituent of information support of Ukrainian economic and military interests in the Black and Azov Seas. Results. Current state of marine research infrastructures in Ukraine has been analysed, as well as the current legal framework. The issues of finding the ways to resolve the problem has been considered, first of all principles and mechanisms of an integrated system of marine studies restoration and functioning. Measures and steps have been substantiated to establish the National system of sustainable marine studies in Ukraine. The National system will be aimed at provision of the Government and the interested ministries and departments with up-to-date information for protection of National interests, enhancement of security, protection of sovereignty of the state. The list of concrete measures of the future programme has been presented and divided into three blocks: a) institutional, b) establishing of the up-to-date research infrastructure, c) performing of studies in the exclusive (marine) economic zone of Ukraine. Conclusions. Research potential of Ukraine has decreased during the past decade down to minimal critical level out of all the years since independence, first of all as the result of annexation of the Crimea and the adjacent Black Sea shelf area by Russian Federation. The departmental system of research financing and performing currently used in Ukrainian for goal-orientated marine studies in the interests of specific ministries and departments is unable to solve the existing problems. The only way out is to develop and implement a State target scientific and technical programme; its key priorities shall be solving of a number of similar international problems existing in all the Black Sea countries and the National interests of Ukraine. Establishing of a newest national research system is impossible without creation of a respective infrastructure, restoration of research fleet and an up-to-date system of marine specialists training taking into account the experience of European and world science.