Evolving marine data and knowledge services

The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a key provider of European marine knowledge to the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” (Mission Ocean and Waters and Waters). EMODnet offers an open and free public service of harmonised and standardized in situ marine data spanning the marine environmental and human activities, and added value data products. The recent unification of EMODnet services under one portal (emodnet.ec.europa.eu) shows EMODnet’s collective and ongoing commitment towards user-friendly and inclusive access to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) marine data, information and knowledge, for all.

EMODnet commits to continue evolving its services based on user and policy needs and requirements, including to serve the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. This includes delivering the access and provision of marine knowledge to underpin the three core objectives of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters and also includes a commitment to progressively conduct EMODnet infrastructure upgrades that are required to fully realise an interoperable European marine data space, European Green deal data space and Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System for Europe and beyond.

EMODnet is an active supporter and promoter of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters, as seen in a EMODnet video “EMODnet for the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” produced in early 2023 (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXRktHQoM5VdtRsCB_Z2YA). EMODnet commits to continue raising awareness about its latest marine data offer and to engage in the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” regional lighthouse activities, and community actions on the three core Mission objectives and two enablers, to optimize and increase the use of EMODnet marine knowledge services by the Mission Ocean and Waters..

EMODnet in turn extends an invitation to the marine, maritime and wider stakeholder community involved in Mission Ocean and Waters to engage with EMODnet, to use the diverse marine data and data products for Mission Ocean and Waters activities, submit marine data to EMODnet so it can be integrated into data layers with ever increasing resolution, coverage and parameters, and to provide feedback on user needs and requirements.

In addition, EMODnet will continue to power the European Atlas of the Seas (https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/atlas/maritime_atlas/) as an EC Communication tool that uses open source data from EMODnet, Copernicus Marine Service, Eurostat and other providers together with storytelling and teaching resources for ocean education, ocean literacy, public engagement and mobilisation purposes.