The primary aim of the MCCIP is to provide a co-ordinating framework for the UK, so as to be able to transfer high quality evidence on marine climate change impacts, and guidance on adaptation and related advice, to policy advisors and decision-makers. In particular, MCCIP acts as the primary focus for the supply of evidence and advice to partners to enable them to individually and collectively plan for the challenges and opportunities presented by the impacts of climate change in the marine environment. For the purposes of this partnership, we consider marine to include the coastal fringe, UK shelf seas and, where appropriate, beyond (e.g. large-scale ocean processes extending way beyond our territorial waters have a profound influence on the UK).

The key objectives for the MCCIP are to:

1. Develop and maintain a coordinating framework for marine climate change partners in the UK.
2. Build the knowledge base and consolidate evidence of marine climate change impacts, with emphasis on the spatial dimension where possible.
3. Provide effective mechanisms for the efficient transfer of marine climate change knowledge from the scientific community to policy advisers and decision makers.
4. Develop guidance and build upon best practice for adaptation tools and strategies available to stakeholders (e.g. 'climate smart' approaches).
5. Identify present shortcomings in UK marine climate science (i.e. what other science could be done / supported to help decision makers and UK marine industries).
6. Actively engage with partners and consult wider communities on requirements for climate change tools and information (e.g. marine scenarios of climate change).

The intended target audience of MCCIP is marine and coastal stakeholders including policy makers, requiring marine climate change knowledge in an accessible format, enabling them to make informed decisions based upon quality assured science (e.g. MCCIP annual report card).

For more information about MCCIP please go to the archive section of this website and look at the MCCIP Phase II business plan for 2010-2015.

MCCIP Structure

A key factor in the success of MCCIP is the role, standing and commitment of both the Steering Group and the Working Groups, and the Expert Advisory Panel, which together will ensure that MCCIP achieves its overall aim.

Steering Group

The primary purpose of the Steering Group (SG) is to deliver the MCCIP aim. All MCCIP partners are entitled to participate in the steering group's work. The objectives of the steering group are as follows:

• Oversee the development of the Partnership.
• Receive progress updates on MCCIP products and Expert Advisory Group discussions.
• Provide Communication Quality Assurance for the Annual Report Card and Briefing Notes, to ensure messages are clearly communicated and fit for purpose.
• Oversee the arrangements for partner and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide feedback on the performance of the MCCIP Secretariat.
• Provide a forum for partners in climate / marine related developments.
• Assign tasks to working groups as appropriate.
• Agree to required updates in the Business Plan.
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of the Business Plan.

In addition to the steering group, there are two working groups:

Annual Report Card Working Group (ARCWG): This group oversees the operational delivery of the main MCCIP scientific products, notably the annual report cards and special topic reports. The group is currently chaired by NERC.  

Climate Smart Working Group (CSW): This new working group will engage with marine user communities and oversee the climate adaptation deliverables (sector reports or similar related products). The formation of this group is a direct response to the phase I mid-term review to make advising on adaptation strategies a core element of phase II. 

In addition, the Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) will review the scientific content of MCCIP outputs, enabling MCCIP to maintain science quality as its foundation for relevance and credibility. The expert base required will need to be fluid to ensure that the best people are approached to quality assure both new (climate smart) and evolving (annual and special report card) products. The chair of the EAP will report back to the SG on its activities and request inputs from the SG members as appropriate. The EAP chair is currently based at Scottish Natural Heritage.

MCCIP is supported by a secretariat, based at Cefas, which acts as a central source of information and focal point. It is responsible for the daily running of MCCIP, gathering information and producing a clear overview of effort and outcomes.