EBA is new since SCAR-2004 (it runs to 2013); it also assembles SCAR lapsed activities: EASIZ, EVOLANTA, RiSCC; besides taking the legacy of these programmes, it is related to other activities: e.g. CAML, ICEFISH, ANDEEP-SYSTCO, MarBIN, CLICOPEN, HABIPOL, HERMES, CCAMLR, IAI. It will also comprise the start of new programmes, which will mostly outlive IPY.