EMODnet is a network of marine organizations that provide a single-entry point for accessing and retrieving in-situ marine data derived from observations, surveys or samples from the hundreds of databases maintained throughout the EU.
The evaluation is centered on the period 2014-2020 corresponding to the years of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Elements of information were added in the periods 2013-2014 and 2020-2022 for a better understanding and to be able to draw pertinent conclusions.
As illustrated in the figure above, there is a considerable EU-added value of having open and free access data on EU ocean and seas and beyond, saving a lot of time, efforts and costs to its users. EMODnet allows to value raw data on seas and oceans thanks to harmonization, quality control and the creation of data products. This enables the use of the data for many different purposes in many different domains such as environmental protection and sustainable blue economy.
The action has also demonstrated that it could adapt over the years to support new policies. In a context where environmental and climate policy will continue to evolve, of the digitalization of knowledge and tools with e.g. Destination Earth and the Digital Twin of the Ocean, there is an increasing need for in-situ data, reduced operational costs and less delays for those who use marine data. EMODnet remains therefore very relevant. Among lessons learned and considerations for the future evolutions of EMODnet, we see that, in addition of the current bottom-up approach, adding a top-down dimension could be beneficial. In particular, we could reinforce the access to data which contribute to EU policies and initiatives (MSFD, MSP, DTO, CMEMS). This evaluation is intended to be the basis for a new strategy, which we will develop in the year to come.
The Staff Working Document on the evaluation of EMODnet is also available on Europa ‘Have you say’: