29 June, 2006

A new and innovative web portal designed for people interested in marine and coastal issues is launched today (Thursday).

CoastNet, in conjunction with EU project Corepoint, have launched CoastWeb which they describe as “a free, online, dynamic resource that not only stores information but intelligently links this to other internal sources and to external sites”.

The designers promise it can cut search time from hours to minutes with its innovative web technology.

The designers say: “The uniqueness of the site comes from the way CoastWeb’s technology links information, making cross thematic connections without users specifying this in their initial search.

“In this way users are able to broaden their knowledge base in what would otherwise be a complex and un-connected mass of coastal and marine information.

“The site is also interactive with users being able to add their own information through a free registration process, adding to the sites ever increasing knowledge base.”

Alex Midlen, chair of CoastNet, said: “Like many sectors, the coastal and marine community suffers from information overload with no central place to access such information.

“CoastWeb is a user friendly, accessible site that has such enormous potential to provide an all-in-one, dynamic coastal and marine resource.

“Now its up to the coastal and marine community to ensure the site fulfils this huge potential by adding their own documents and building a great resource for themselves and the rest of the community.”