Discussing the scientific and technical basis for coordinating, standardising and harmonising the monitoring of seafloor litter and the management of associated data at a global level was the aim of the recent international workshop in China. EMODnet Chemistry was one of the speakers at this invitation-only event, representing the full network, and in particular bringing its long-standing expertise in delivering the European marine litter database, in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre and Technical Group on Marine Litter of the EU MSFD. During the workshop it was emphasised that EMODnet could play an important role in the definition and development of the global database.

The Ocean Decade envisions "the science we need for the ocean we want" and serves as a global framework, bringing together diverse sectors to co-design and implement the knowledge and partnerships required for a comprehensive understanding of the ocean. This collaborative effort aims to deliver science-based solutions in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To realize this vision, the Ocean Decade is inviting partners to submit transformative Decade Action programmes, projects, or activities that contribute to achieving these goals. You are encouraged to request endorsement for your initiatives through this Call for Decade Actions and play a vital role in advancing sustainable ocean science.

On 10 October 2024, EMODnet, Copernicus Marine Service and EUMETSAT delivered the second webinar in the EU Ocean Data Series bringing together experts – including early career ocean professionals - to explore how Earth observation, in situ, and modelled marine data support the UN Ocean Decade initiative. The session demonstrated the EU marine data service offer and tools across three key UN Ocean Decade challenges: understanding and combating marine pollution, protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, and unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change.

At the Ocean Best Practices Workshop VIII, held from October 14-18, 2024, EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service collaborated to present best practices for enhancing data and service interoperability within the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO). During the session on 16 October 2024, EMODnet Biology Coordinator Joana Beja (VLIZ) presented on its conventions used, with wider discussions on critical standards for data integration, focusing on the EDITO-Infra project, which aims to create a robust EU infrastructure supporting the EU DTO.

At the international workshop titled "AOMI Database: Enhancing Ocean Microplastics Monitoring", EMODnet Chemistry showcased how marine litter data are managed within the project. Held on 8 October 2024 and led by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the workshop provided a practical demonstration of the Atlas of Ocean Microplastics (AOMI).

EMODnet Chemistry took stock of its recent achievements during the latest back-to-back meetings of the whole partnership and the steering committee. The meeting took place on 23 and 24 September 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the headquarters of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) who is a long-standing partner and contributor to EMODnet Chemistry, among others.

The recent General Assembly of EMODnet Chemistry was a good opportunity to present relevant ways in which the project pursues the principles of Open Science (OS). The University of Liège (ULiege, Belgium) showed how the project implements Open Science thanks to open-source software. Charles Troupin from ULiege referred in particular to EMODnet Chemistry's use of the netCDF format and the NCDatasets.jl package.

EMODnet Biology Coordinator (VLIZ) speaks at MARBLUE Black Sea Conference and Ocean Best Practice System workshop.

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Between 7-9 October 2024, EMODnet Coordinators and wider experts convened in Brussels, Belgium, for a series of EMODnet governance meetings. The 21st EMODnet Steering Committee (SC) open session was attended by diverse representatives of the EC and EU agencies, including CINEA, EC DG MARE, DEFIS, ENV and RTD. Discussions included EMODnet for EU Policy, the EC Ocean Observation Initiative and the EMODnet Vision 2035. This was followed by the 16th EMODnet Technical Working Group, with representatives from the EMODnet Central Portal technical team, thematic and data ingestion experts, EC DG MARE and CINEA (featured in the group photo). The following day, EMODnet held a planning meeting for its upcoming 4th Open Sea Lab Hackathon which will take place in Spring 2025.

On 22 October 2024, more than 70 experts gathered for an EMODnet online workshop titled “EMODnet Marine Data for Ports, Marinas, and Boating.” The event was co-designed with key stakeholder networks from these Blue Economy sectors, including the European Boating Industry, TransEurope Marinas and the European Sea Port Organisation, in collaboration with the EC DG MARE and CINEA.

Join us on 22 October 2024 for the EMODent for Business online workshop "Marine data for ports, marinas and boating". The workshop will demonstrate the EMODnet service for the ports, marinas and boating industry sectors including how these Blue Economy sectors can further use and benefit from EMODnet, together with opportunities for data sharing.

The workshop is by invitation only. To express interest to attend, please contact: emodnet4business@emodnet.eu

Join us on 22 October 2024 for the EMODnet for Business online workshop "Marine data for ports, marinas and boating". The workshop will demonstrate the EMODnet service for the ports, marinas and boating industry sectors including how these Blue Economy sectors can further use and benefit from EMODnet, together with opportunities for data sharing. Participants will discover the potential of EMODnet services and will be able to engage in in cross-regional dialogue and exchanges with participants from all European sea basins. The workshop is by invitation only. To express interest to attend, please contact: emodnet4business@emodnet.eu

Join the 8th Ocean Best Practices System Workshop (OBPS WSVIII), taking place 14-18 October 2024 online, to explore innovative approaches and solutions for standardizing ocean observations and data management. The objective of the workshop is to facilitate the cross-cutting primary role of best practices in operational oceanography by promoting dialogues across science and technology. In the era of Digital Twins for the Ocean, the need of best practices is fundamental for a more interoperable and reliable use of ocean data, for the evolution of the worldwide observing network from the deep ocean to the coast and for dealing with complex forecasting systems.

Register for the second webinar in the EU Ocean Data Series, titled "Science and Solutions for a Clean, Healthy, and Resilient Ocean." Taking place on 10 October 2024 at 14:30 CEST, this webinar is co-organised by EUMETSAT, Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet and ECOPs. The second webinar will delve into how Earth observation, in situ, satellite-derived and modeled marine data are being used to support the UN Ocean Decade initiative. Key topics include understanding and combating marine pollution, protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, and unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change.

OCEaN, the Renewables Grid Initiative and WindEurope are organising a conference bringing together key stakeholders working to translate offshore wind energy and biodiversity targets into concrete actions. Register now to hear from changemakers working on a nature- and people-positive offshore energy transition, pose your key asks to European policymakers, and learn about innovative solutions combining offshore wind and grid developments with the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.

On 30th September AM the EMODnet Vision 2035 Drafting Group came together online for its 3rd meeting. High on the agenda was digesting the stakeholder responses to the public survey which took place mid July - mid September 2024, and targeted consultations with EMODnet Associated Partners and Sea-basin Checkpoints. The VDG also held interactive discussions to further define key priorities for EMODnet's service evolution according to key pillars spanning EMODnet digital services to EMODnet for Policy.

Are you an expert in open data and related domains such as data visualisation or in areas where AI and data come together? Take the floor at EU Open Data Days 2025, 19-20 March 2025! Share your inspiring initiatives and successful projects on how to empower EU society with data. EU Open Data Days 2025 welcomes contributors from all over the world and from all sectors: international, EU and national public organisations, research and academia, the private sector, journalists and data visualisation experts. Speakers are invited to showcase inspiring projects and the impact of using open data in innovative and engaging ways, to help shape an exciting conference programme.
  
Please submit your proposal by 22 October 2024! Find all information here. 

Get ready for OceanPredict '24, the premier event for ocean prediction and marine forecasting, happening from November 4-8, 2024, in Paris, France. Join global experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the latest innovations in ocean modeling, forecasting, and data assimilation. This conference is your chance to connect with leading minds in the field and contribute to the future of ocean prediction. 
More information and registration: https://www.oceanpredict24.org/  

On 9-12 September, EMODnet brought its latest EMODnet services to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference 2024 in Newcastle, UK. With a focus on cutting-edge developments in marine data for research, policy and beyond, the event sparked valuable discussions on existing and future digital marine data services. The EMODnet Secretariat Co-Chaired a session on applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for marine data and co-organised a session on ICES and EMODnet data services, including a showcase of career pathways for early career researchers.