Overview

On 3 June 2026, the European Commission officially adopted OceanEye, a major step towards strengthening Europe’s leadership in ocean observation and the full marine knowledge value chain. EMODnet is a core EU data service in the OceanEye European Digital Ocean System, recognizing the crucial need for diverse, interoperable and actionable data to support implementation of the European Ocean Act, Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters and the European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO). OceanEye also includes a move towards more structured and unified EU governance of ocean observation through the Ocean Act, an international alliance aimed at strengthening the Global Ocean Observation System (GOOS), strengthening resilience, robustness and integration of the Marine Knowledge value chain and societal engagement. Read the full OceanEye communication, factsheets, video and more information.

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).

The OCEANIDS project Final Event on 9 June, brought together policymakers, port authorities, industry representatives, and researchers from across Europe to discuss climate resilience, coastal adaptation, and the future of the Blue Economy. During the panel “From data to decisions: making Marine Spatial Planning work in practice,” speakers followed the full value chain from satellite and in situ observations to operational tools for coastal authorities, with contributions from EMODnet's Technical Coordinator Conor Delaney (EMODnet) and representatives from EUSI, TechWorks Marine, ACRI-ST and Latitudo 40.

Following the success of its first edition, the European Commission organised the 2nd European Maritime Spatial Planning Week from 1 to 5 June 2026 in Brussels. As part of the week, and in the framework of the Northern European Sea Basins project (NESBp), EMODnet hosted a workshop on the fit-for-use of EMODnet for MSP on Tuesday 2 June 2026, bringing together MSP practitioners and stakeholders to contribute to discussions on EMODnet’s leading EU offer for MSP, hosting diverse marine environmental and human activities data and National MSP plans, and EMODnet's fitness-for-use for future MSP, together with policy recommendations for the MSP Directive revision.

EMODnet experts were at Digital Ocean Week, including the OceanEye high-level event and the 9th Copernicus Marine General Assembly, EMODnet's Head of Secretariat Kate Larkin spoke on a Panel with EC DG MARE, DG RTD, EEA, Copernicus Marine and EuroGOOS focused on  in situ ocean observation and data services. She stressed the importance of diverse, integrated in situ ocean and coastal observations for society, and the unique role of the EMOD-network of experts in delivering this cross-thematic, trans-disciplinary offer to the European Digital Twin Ocean.

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 United Nations 2026 Water Conference, dedicated to accelerating action on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), will take place from 8 to 10 December 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal. The conference has an open call for in-person side events, offering an opportunity to showcase how ocean and marine data services such as EMODnet contribute to the wider water and sustainability agenda. More information.

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.