Overview

The European Digital Twin Ocean was showcased at European Maritime Day (EMD) on 21-22 May 2026 in Cyprus, where EMODnet Secretariat (Seascape Belgium) and Central Portal host and Biology thematic lead (VLIZ) joined Mercator Ocean International in presenting an exhibition booth of the integrated EU digital ocean data service offer. This followed the success of EDITO's presence at EGU in April 2026.

EMODnet was invited by the MSPglobal initiative to develop a video for their course on "Ocean Observation and Data Management for MSP" for publication on the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) platform. This course builds on the two MSPglobal Data Toolboxes published in 2025, to which EMODnet also contributed, advancing the use of interoperable marine data for integrated and sustainable ocean management. EMODnet is also leading a workshop at the European MSP week in June 2026 (see upcoming events).

Dear EMODnet partners, associated partners, wider stakeholders, 2026 is well underway, and (as in previous years) has started at a fast pace. In this New Year’s (NY) letter we look back at the collective accomplishments and milestones of EMODnet in 2025. And we look forward to what’s ahead for EMODnet in 2026 and beyond! 2025 was the busiest yet, with EMODnet making waves as the European in situ marine data service. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis recognised EMODnet as an invaluable cornerstone for the successful implementation of the Ocean Pact. Through consultations, flagship events and key partnerships – from data sharing to user engagement – 2025 was a year when EMODnet demonstrated its value, exemplifying how the service is making a real difference, from simplifying the marine knowledge value chain and saving costs for stakeholders to its provision of foundational, trusted and actionable marine data and data products. The EMODnet expert network of 133 partners across 33 countries – from the Secretariat, Central Portal, thematic and data ingestion – continued to deliver new data integration, updated services, expert advice, guidance and leadership on standards and good practices. And visibility and our user-base grew, using EMODnet to support EU (and global) ocean-related policy implementation, drive competitiveness in the Blue Economy, underpin Research and Innovation, and beyond. 2025 was also the first year that EMODnet’s full offer was tested on the cloud, with EMODnet OSL 4.0 Hackathon participants gaining exclusive access to EMODnet on the European Digital Twin Ocean infrastructure platform (EDITO), leveraging the power of data, computing power and models to drive solutions and applications to ocean and coastal challenges. Later in 2025, EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service showcased EDITO at the UN Ocean Conference 2025 Digital Ocean Pavilion, to President of the EC Ursula von der Leyen and thousands more stakeholders. The year culminated in a full week of Marine Knowledge at the EMODnet Open Conference 2025, which brought EMODnet’s diverse stakeholder community together for the launch of the EMODnet community Vision 2035. This sets out clear recommendations for EMODnet’s service evolution over the next decade with an overarching ambitious – yet necessary – call to action for EMODnet’s annual funding to be (at least) doubled in the next Multi-annual Financial Framework (2028–2034). In the shorter-term, EMODnet will consolidate, evolve and prepare to scale, expanding its data sharing partnerships, service provision, user engagement, its contribution to the UN Ocean Decade and more. Let’s seize the year and turn EMODnet’s Vision into reality, together!

The European Atlas of the Seas was promoted at the EMODnet booth at the European Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Week on 2-3 June 2026. On 3 June, the Atlas was also showcased at the MSP World Café organised during the EU4Ocean workshop, highlighting how it can be used to increase ocean literacy across Europe. Four Maps of the Week were published in June: ‘OceanEYE & the Importance of Ocean Observation’, ‘World Ocean Day and Ocean Depth’, ‘Algae and the Blue Economy’ and ‘Coastal Regions and Coastal Geology’.

EMODnet Seabed Habitats joined the international marine benthic habitat mapping community at GEOHAB 2026 (11–14 May, University of Malta, Valletta), presenting a poster on how EMODnet Seabed Habitats products have been developed to inform EU and international policy. The event brought together leading experts in geophysics and habitat mapping, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase EMODnet's contribution to evidence-based marine management at global scale.

EMODnet joined OBIS and other biodiversity data services, monitoring programmes and stakeholders including BIODIVERSA+ between 4-7 May for BioMonWeek 2026. The event took place in Montpelier, France, and included sessions on Essential Biodiversity Variables and wider Ocean Variables, and cross-domain dialogues between freshwater, terrestrial, coastal and marine biodiversity knowledge to support policy implementation, among other applications. EMODnet was also featured in a knowledge transfer session organised by the European project MARCO-BOLO.

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).

On 23 April, the European Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the European Ocean Act, following an earlier call for evidence in January 2026. Open until 16 July, this questionnaire invites stakeholders to share their views, including those from public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities. Find out more

On 23 April, the European Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the European Ocean Act, following an earlier call for evidence in January 2026. Open until 16 July, this questionnaire invites stakeholders to share their views, including those from public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities. This is the latest in a series of EC calls for evidence and consultations related to the Ocean Pact, OceanEye, and Ocean Act.

The European Commission has launched a combined public consultation and call for evidence on the update of the EU Arctic Policy to ensure the policy remains fit for purpose in addressing rapid environmental and geopolitical changes in the Arctic. Contributions will inform the review of climate, security, environmental protection, sustainable development, and international cooperation elements of the EU’s Arctic engagement. The Call is open until 16 March 2026. Find out more:

How is ocean data shaping global governance and policymaking? The ERC research project TwinPolitics is investigating this question through a new international survey exploring how ocean data, knowledge, and emerging technologies—such as the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO)—inform decision-making. The survey is open to policymakers, diplomats, researchers, NGOs, and stakeholders involved in ocean governance. Available in six UN languages and German, it takes around 15 minutes to complete and aims to identify how ocean data is used, what challenges exist, and how it can better support policy. Take the survey: https://univie.questionpro.eu/oceandatasurvey

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

IMDIS 2026 will take place in Split, Croatia, from 30 November to 3 December 2026, organised by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) in collaboration with SeaDataNet AISBL, IFREMER, MARIS, NOC and INGV, many of whom are long-standing EMODnet partners. The conference will bring together experts from across the marine data community to showcase advances in data infrastructures, interoperable systems, tools and platforms, and the transformation of marine data into knowledge and decision-support products.

The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) 2026 will take place from 17–20 November 2026 in Bruges, Belgium, with organisation led by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). This flagship global event will gather scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the latest research, innovations, and solutions for marine biodiversity observations, data, conservation and sustainable ocean management. The Call for Abstracts is open until 17 March 2026 (23:59 CET), and registration is now available via the WCMB 2026 registration portal, with early-bird rates valid until 18 June 2026. Find all submission details and updates on the WCMB 2026 website.

The call for abstracts for the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity 2026 (WCMB 2026) is now open until 17 March 2026. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are invited to submit abstracts across the conference themes, including a dedicated EMODnet session focused on “Science that makes a difference: supporting knowledge-based policies.” This session will explore how marine knowledge and data can better inform policy and decision-making processes. Find out more and submit an abstract: Call for abstracts: https://www.wcmb2026.org/call-abstracts EMODnet session: https://www.wcmb2026.org/6-science-makes-difference-supporting-knowledge-based-policiesTitle: EGI Conference 2026: Advancing Digital Infrastructure for Science and Innovation

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.