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 

The 5th International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2025) will take place from 6 to 8 September 2025 in Beijing, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore how big data can drive progress towards the SDGs. The forum will showcase cutting-edge data solutions, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote the use of science-based evidence in decision-making for a more sustainable future.

Follow the link for more information.

The OCEANS 2025 Brest “Call for Abstracts” is now open, inviting experts and innovators to submit cutting-edge technical presentations focusing on Marine Energy, Environmental Marine Engineering, and a Digital Ocean. Abstracts and full technical papers must align with one of these key areas to be considered for inclusion in the conference, taking place from 16–19 June 2025 in Brest, France. Interested contributors can review the conference details and access the abstract submission guidelines here. Submission deadline is 20 December 2024!

Be part of the global conversation on marine science and innovation at OCEANS 2025, taking place in Brest, France, from 16–19 June 2025. This leading conference unites ocean professionals from research, industry, and policy to explore the latest in ocean technology and sustainable solutions. Register now:

Home - OCEANS 2025 Brest 

Be part of the global conversation on marine science and innovation at OCEANS 2025, taking place in Brest, France, from 16–19 June 2025. This leading conference unites ocean professionals from research, industry, and policy to explore the latest in ocean technology and sustainable solutions. Register now: https://brest25.oceansconference.org/

Over 1,250 proposals were submitted for side events at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, reflecting strong international engagement on ocean sustainability. Taking place in three formats—at the Conference venue (Blue Zone), at off-site locations in and around Nice, and virtually—these side events will serve as key moments for stakeholders to exchange experiences, showcase voluntary commitments, and propose innovative solutions in support of SDG 14. The draft programme for Blue Zone side events is now available. Find out more on the official website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/side-events

The call for abstracts is now open for the One Ocean Science Congress, scheduled to take place from 4-6 June 2025 in Nice, France. This congress is a special event of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and presents a unique opportunity for ocean science professionals to present their projects and contributions on a global platform. We encourage you to submit abstracts showcasing your research and initiatives. The submission deadline is 14 November at 13:00 CET. For detailed submission guidelines and additional information, please visit the congress website.

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

The UN Ocean Decade has launched Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025, seeking initiatives that tackle regional and thematic gaps in ocean knowledge while supporting informed policymaking for sustainable development. Anchored in the priorities of the Barcelona Statement and Vision 2030, this call welcomes Expressions of Interest for new Decade Programmes, as well as Decade Projects under 29 existing Programmes. Submissions are now open. For details on eligibility, application forms, and deadlines, visit the Ocean Decade Call 09/2025 webpage. Proponents are encouraged to submit before 31 August 2025.

On Monday, 9 June 2025 (18:30–20:30) at Hôtel Aston La Scala in Nice, a high-level side event at UNOC 2025 will bring together stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to explore the critical role of ocean data sharing including by the private sector e.g., for seabed mapping and bathymetric data sharing. Co-organised by the Ocean Decade Alliance, IOC/UNESCO, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), GEBCO, the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, and the UN Global Compact, this session will discuss how ocean depth data can inform science, support marine management, and shape effective ocean policy. It targets actors involved in ocean data acquisition and sharing, including those influencing data governance in national jurisdictions and holding valuable private-sector data. More information:

https://iho.int/en/side-event-global-ocean-data-sharing 

On 12 June 2025 (14:30–15:15 CEST), EMODnet and the UN Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing will co-host a workshop at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) Digital Ocean Pavilion exploring how regional marine data services contribute to building an interoperable global digital ocean data ecosystem. The session will spotlight examples from EU marine data services e.g., EMODnet, including the service’s international partnerships, EMODnet and Copernicus Marine’s key role as data services for the European Digital Twin Ocean and experts from other National and regional data services. The workshop will include a Panel discussion that showcases how regional cooperation and mandates help deliver FAIR data and ocean knowledge that underpin science, policy, and sustainable development worldwide. The event is in-person and open to all who register for the Green zone. More information: The EU & the Marine Observing Infrastructures

At the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025, the European Digital Twin (powered by EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service) will take centre stage at the European Union’s Digital Ocean Pavilion within the public green zone of UNOC. Through featured video content and its role across the Pavilion’s Engage and Inspire areas, EMODnet will demonstrate how its open, interoperable marine data services are fundamental to building and sustaining the European Digital Twin Ocean. Visitors will discover how EMODnet supports a wide range of users—from researchers and policymakers to innovators and citizen scientists—by providing seamless access to high-quality, FAIR marine data. EMODnet’s presence will illustrate the critical value of regional marine data infrastructures in enabling global digital ocean efforts and advancing the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Registration is open and essential, even for this public area: See here for more details:

https://www.digitaloceanpavilion.eu/ 

The Institute for Sea Studies Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), under the Brazilian Navy, used EMODnet Biology’s data services—including the Biocheck tool and Data Laundry sessions—to validate and harmonise a large zooplankton image dataset collected with the LOKI (Lightframe On-sight Key species Investigation), an underwater optical camera system. This collaboration supported marine research in the South Brazilian Shelf and advanced the application of FAIR data principles, paving the way for scientific outputs and improved environmental monitoring. Read more:

https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/use-case/emodnet-biology-biocheck-tool-aids-harmonisation-dataset-collected-situ-optical-plankton 

Using EMODnet Geology and Bathymetry data, ISPRA has characterized the structural settings of Italy's surrounding seas. The data provided insights into tectonic activity, including earthquakes and submarine volcanoes. This comprehensive information forms a solid basis for future studies on marine geohazard assessment and land management. Read more:

EMODnet Geology helps characterise structural settings of seas surrounding Italy | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) 

At the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU GA), EMODnet Chemistry presented its mission and development, as well as the many use cases collected in its 16 years of activity. The EGU GA welcomes international geoscientists working in all disciplines of Earth, planetary and space sciences. In addition to the overview of the project results, the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), which coordinates EMODnet Chemistry, presented a poster explaining the latest progress in the interoperability of validated data collections via the ERDDAP service. Read more:

Further reflections on EMODnet Chemistry at EGU 2025 | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) 

EMODnet Seabed Habitats took part in the Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping (GEOHAB) 2025 Conference, held from 12–16 May in Key West, Florida. This long-standing international gathering brought together over 150 global experts in marine geology, biology, and spatial analysis to exchange knowledge on benthic habitats and sustainable ocean management. EMODnet contributed to discussions with a talk on EUSeaMap development in the Caribbean and a poster on coastal wetlands, sharing insights on enhancing data discovery and collaboration in support of marine policy and climate resilience. Read more:

EMODnet Seabed Habitats present at GEOHAB 2025 | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)

Collaboration between Edge Hill University (EHU) and EMODnet Geology has enhanced understanding of coastal hazards, paving the way for sustainable coastal management in Europe. The collaboration, involving EHU student interns and an international team of experts, has developed the new EMODnet Geology coastal resilience/vulnerability map. The students used their digital mapping and data analyses skills to produce the map that underpins the data product. EMODnet Geology has provided valuable work experience, in an international setting, helping to train the next generation of geospatial analysts. Read more:

https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/emodnet-geology-collaborates-next-generation-geospatial-new-coastal-resilience-and-vulnerability 

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)