European Marine Observation and Data Network
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The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is the European Commission (EC) in situ marine data service of the EC Directorate-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (EC DG MARE) and funded by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. Established in 2009, EMODnet plays a pivotal role as a trusted source of in situ marine environmental and human activities data and data products, serving a diverse user base across various sectors.[1][2]
The EMODnet Portal (emodnet.ec.europa.eu) is a single access point to all EMODnet services, providing easy and free access to a wealth of marine data, metadata, and data products. Covering seven disciplinary themes – bathymetry, geology, physics, chemistry, biology, seabed habitats and human activities – EMODnet spans the entire marine environment from coast to open ocean, surface to deep seafloor, whilst also offering data and information on the Blue Economy operations, from vessel density and offshore platform sitings, to hosting EU Member State Maritime Spatial Plans.
In collaboration with over 130 partner organizations and stakeholders, EMODnet aggregates data into Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) pan-European data layers, with data and accompanying metadata harmonized according to EU e.g., INSPIRE and International e.g., ISO standards. In addition, EMODnet experts produce unique data products such as EUSeaMap, a broad-scale seabed habitat map, the EU Digital Terrain Model for harmonized bathymetry, and the pan-European Marine Litter Database. EMODnet also offers a public Data Ingestion service to expand and diversify the data offer, supporting data collection efforts and data providers to submit their data for integration into EMODnet.
EMOD-network
EMODnet caters to a broad user community, including the Blue Economy, national authorities and administrators, research and academia, non-governmental organizations, and citizen science initiatives. This dynamic network of experts continuously evolves EMODnet into the operational EU marine data service it is today.
EMODnet aims to enhance its societal relevance. This involves integrating data from citizen science initiatives, expanding data accessibility through platforms like the European Atlas of the Seas, and promoting ocean literacy and sustainable practices across Europe and beyond. The future vision of EMODnet is not just to serve as a data repository but as a catalyst for positive change in marine understanding, conservation, and innovation.
EMODnet has broadened its horizons to embrace a global perspective through collaborations with countries such as China and as a European regional contributor in the context of global ocean data initiatives such as the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) of IODE IOC/UNESCO, fostering international partnerships to advance marine data interoperability and open marine knowledge, for all.
EMODnet Development
The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of over 130 organisations supported by the EU’s integrated maritime policy of the European Commission.
Phase I: 2009 - 2013
The portals are presently operational, delivered during phase I of EMODnet development by a network of 53 organisations. Their progress was guided and monitored by an independent group of experts, in addition to the European Commission services and the European Environment Agency. An interim evaluation has since confirmed the soundness of the approach, recommending advancement to phase II of EMODnet development.[3]
The operation of the portals is largely intuitive, each one granting access to data archives managed by EU Member States and international organisations. This complements ongoing efforts by Member States to ensure proper stewardship of data in accordance with the INSPIRE[4] directive. Via the portals, public and private users of marine data can access standardised observations and data quality indicators, as well as data products, from a limited number of sea basins.
Phase II: 2013 - 2017
Phase II of EMODnet development involved generating medium-resolution maps of all of Europe's seas and oceans for each of the seven thematic groups (including the Human Activities portal) by 2014. A total of 112 organisations contributed, some with cross-cutting interests. A secretariat was appointed to oversee the development of the EMODnet portal, bringing together all seven thematic groups so that they are accessible from a common gateway.
Phase III: 2017 - 2020
Phase III of EMODnet development involved transitioning EMODnet from a collection of thematic portals into a more integrated and operational service. The key developments included the production of multi-resolution European sea basin maps, enhanced data ingestion processes to include under-represented datasets from diverse sources, and strengthening of user engagement and feedback mechanisms to improve data services and usability.
Phase IV: 2020 - 2023
Phase IV of EMODnet development represented a major step towards the full integration and centralisation of marine data services across Europe. The core objectives included centralisation of services, expansion of data types and coverage, biology-specific developments, increased stakeholder engagements, and technical enhancements, i.e., improved web services and enhanced metadata discoverability and data ingestion workflows.
Phase V: 2023 - 2025
Phase V of EMODnet builds on the achievements of previous phases, with a strong focus on expanding data coverage, improving interoperability, and enhancing user engagement across all thematic areas. The key developments in Phase V includes a continuous evolution into a fully operational, integrated service for marine data, ensuring that data and data products are standardised, open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Phase V also focuses on global and regional expansion of the EMOD-network beyond Europe, including overseas territories like the Caribbean.
References
- ^ European Commission Green Paper - Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union: a European vision for the oceans and seas
- ^ European Marine Observation and Data Network impact assessment, European Commission
- ^ Interim evaluation of the European Marine Observation and Data Network, European Commission
- ^ Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community directive, European Commission