In May 2025 EMODnet completed the integration of its Data Ingestion service into the central EMODnet Portal, marking a new milestone in the evolution of the service. Data Ingestion joins EMODnet’s seven thematic services in a unified, one-stop portal for marine data and services. While its core functionalities remain unchanged, the centralisation of Data Ingestion offers a more seamless user experience, making it even easier for data collectors and providers to prepare, share and submit their datasets to EMODnet, to maximise the uptake and impact of their data and marine knowledge. Read more: EMODnet Portal integrates Data Ingestion, giving data sharing a boost | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)

Dear EMODnet partners, colleagues and friends, A very Happy New Year to you all! The EMODnet New Year’s letter is an annual tradition that celebrates the collective achievements of the EMODnet community in 2024 and that looks ahead to EMODnet’s continued evolution and Vision to 2035. Click below to read the full article by Kate Larkin, Head of EMODnet Secretariat.

EMODnet showcased its partnership with Scuba Schools International and the German Foundation (GOF) at BOOT 2025, presenting the joint citizen science initiative which delivers ocean environmental data collected by scuba divers’ dive computers into EMODnet. The partnership was launched one year ago with EC DG MARE and EMODnet Physics, and already has thousands of data submitted to EMODnet, with the projection to include millions of ocean temperature data profiles alone! This year, the EMODnet Secretariat presented on the ‘Love your Ocean’ stage and had a stand together with GOF who also presented EMODnet during the week. BOOT is a world-leading boating and watersports exhibition, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, this year between 18-26 January 2025.

On 28 May 2025 EMODnet experts and wider stakeholders gathered in Brussels for the workshop 'Standards and Practices in Ocean Observation' with EMODnet Physics Coordinator Antonio Novellino and EC DG MARE's Zoi Konstantinou amongst the speakers. Multiple EMODnet partners are involved in the European Ocean Best Practices project, building on the ongoing collaboration between EMODnet and in the in situ ocean observation community to streamline the marine knowledge value chain, from data collection to FAIR data management and services, for users.

The newly published 2025 EU Blue Economy Report outlines major developments in Europe’s ocean-based sectors, from expanding renewable energy and innovation to progress in sustainability and emissions reductions. With coastal tourism, maritime transport, and offshore wind leading the way, the report captures how the EU is advancing a resilient and competitive blue economy. Marine data and knowledge are a key foundation and driver for the transition to a more green and sustainable Blue Economy. The report is produced by the European Commission and Joint Research Centre, the publication offers a comprehensive overview of trends shaping Europe’s Ocean industries. Find out more and download the report: https://blue-economy-observatory.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-blue-economy-report-2025-2025-05-22_en

From 21-23 May 2025, EMODnet made a significant impact at the European Maritime Days (EMD2025) in Cork, Ireland. EMODnet had an exhibition booth and welcomed many stakeholders to discuss the latest EMODnet services, data sharing opportunities and use case and EMODnet's Biology Coordinator, Joana Beja (VLIZ, Belgium) spoke at a workshop on biological ocean observation. EMODnet also contributed to presenting EDITO, together with colleagues from Mercator Ocean International and Copernicus Marine. This annual event, organized by the European Commission, brought together around 1,200 marine and maritime stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of Europe’s marine knowledge supporting EU policy and a green and competitive blue economy. Read more and find out about all the highlights of EMODnet's activities during the event: EMODnet at the European Maritime Days 2025 in Cork, Ireland | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) 

We are pleased to announce the release of the OSL 3.0 Final Report and OSL 3.0 Highlights Video. These resources provide a summary of the event which took place in early Spring 2023, and the key results and outcomes. Thanks to all co-organisers, mentors, coaches and participants for an engaging and interactive event that pushed the boundaries of marine data innovation.

Meeting minutes and presentations are available for: 16th EMODnet (Spring 2022) Steering Committee Meeting 7th EC Marine Knowledge Expert Group (MKEG) Meeting Minutes 11th EMODnet (Spring 2022) Technical Working Group Meeting

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IMPA), one of the EMODnet partners, is a state laboratory whose mission is to promote and coordinate scientific research, technological development, innovation and services on sea and atmosphere. This use case is set in the context of REPowereu project and used EMODnet data to develop up to 10 GW of electrical production centers in the offshore of Portugal, based on oceanic renewable energy until 2030.

EMODnet Chemistry data was used in a research study in the Mediterranean Sea region to support the implementation of Good Environmental Status as defined by the MSFD. More specifically, researchers developed a common methodology for the determination of eutrophication thresholds and reference values for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea basin, and tested an integrative tool as a common assessment method for eutrophication status.

EMODnet played a pivotal role in a recent study conducted by the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) of the University of Southampton, a global leader in oceanography and marine geoscience. Master’s student Cedric Muscat, alongside SMMI experts and external stakeholders, utilised EMODnet’s extensive datasets, including Bathymetry, Seabed Substrate, and parameters of Human Activities, to identify optimal locations for offshore wind farms in Malta's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

AQUASERV invites researchers from academia, industry, and policy to apply for its Open Call offering free Transnational Access to top-tier aquatic research infrastructures across Europe. Whether you're investigating aquatic ecosystems, developing nature-based solutions, or supporting ocean restoration, this initiative provides the tools, data, and expertise you need to drive innovation and advance your project. Applications are open until 30 September 2025. More information: https://www.aquaserv-ri.eu/transnational-access-call

The Horizon Europe project AQUARIUS is launching a funding call on 2 September 2025 for transnational access to a portfolio of marine and freshwater research infrastructures, in support of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. The funded projects will be guided to implement a dedicated data management approach, ensuring collected data and metadata will be managed in line with the FAIR principles. The data will be ingested into EMODnet, which is in turn feeding into the European Digital Twin data lake (EU-DTO). Find out more: https://www.aquaserv-ri.eu/transnational-access-call/

The Horizon Europe 2025 Programme has launched eight new calls under the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, with a total budget of €120 million to fund up to 18 projects. From Blue Parks and marine litter reduction to sustainable blue economy solutions and the EU Digital Twin Ocean, these calls target key priorities for ocean health and innovation. The deadline for proposals is 24 September 2025. Explore the calls and apply now via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget for the post-2027 period. Stakeholders from all sectors are invited to share their perspectives on future priorities, funding allocations, and how the EU budget can best support Europe’s challenges and ambitions. The consultation is open until 7 May 2025. Follow the link to learn more.

UNESCO in partnership with the Committee on Data (CODATA) of the International Science Council (ISC) is launching a consultation to explore how the principles of open science could guide efficient policies for data sharing in times of crisis. The International Science Council is seeking contributions to help develop data policies that enhance global responses to crises. Effective data policies are critical for ensuring timely, reliable, and actionable information in times of emergency. Your expertise can help shape guidelines that empower better decision-making and foster international collaboration. Share your insights and contribute to this important initiative. The deadline for input is 16 December. Learn more and get involved: Developing Data Policies for Crisis

Eurisy, +ATLANTIC, and the AIR Centre have launched a survey to enhance the Copernicus Marine Service as part of the “Blue Markets User Engagement and Product Uptake” initiative. The survey focuses on three key blue market sectors: Polar Environment Monitoring, Climate & Adaptation, and Ocean Health. Marine scientists and users of Copernicus Marine Services are invited to share their insights to help shape the future of sustainable ocean management. The survey is open until mid- December 2024 and can be accessed here

From 22–27 February 2026, the global ocean science community will gather in Glasgow, Scotland for the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026. This leading event brings together researchers, policymakers, and innovators to share the latest advances in ocean science, technology, and solutions for a sustainable future. Don’t miss this key moment to connect and collaborate across the marine science landscape. Register today: https://www.agu.org/ocean-sciences-meeting

It’s official! Save-the-date for the 4th EMODnet Open Conference on 25-26 November 2025 in Brussels. This edition will take place during a week of EU Marine Knowledge events, starting with a 0.5-day EMODnet partnership Jamboree on 24 November PM, then the EMODnet Open Conference 25-26 November, directly followed by the Digital Ocean Forum 2025 on 27 November. Stay tuned for more information!

Abstract submissions are now open for the Living Data 2025 conference, taking place on 21–24 October 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia. Join the global biodiversity data community to discuss everything from technical advances in data standards to the role of data in science-policy action. Deadline: 20 May 2025. Find more information: Living Data 2025 - Information that together, transforms 

From 27 June – 1 July 2022, ocean stakeholders gathered in Lisbon, Portugal for the second UN Ocean Conference. Experts from across the EMOD-network co-organised and participated in a number of activities, including a side event on Marine Data Interoperability co-organised by EMODnet, IOC-UNESCO, Fugro, IODE/IOC, VLIZ, Copernicus Marine Service and the Intertidal Agency, in collaboration with the EC and the UN Ocean Decade Data Coordination Group, for which EMODnet is a co-Chair, and a side event on “Digital Ocean Systems” co-organised by Mercator Ocean International, amongst others. Ocean Literacy also featured highly on the agenda with a side event on Ocean Literacy Dialogues co-organised by the EC DG MARE, the European Ocean Literacy Coalition EU4Ocean and IOC-UNESCO. In addition, EMODnet was highlighted as a key marine data service and infrastructure for the EU Green Deal, Digital Twin Ocean, UN 2030 Agenda and the UN Ocean Decade. The European Atlas of the Seas communication tool was also noted to be the mapping tool selected by the EC for reporting the evolution of Mission “Restore our Ocean, seas and inland waters by 2030”. And it was celebrated as a tool for education at the event Creating Good Vibes' Generations which brought together the Escola Azul community, the Portuguese network of Blue Schools, a key component of the European Ocean Literacy EU4Ocean Coalition.