European Marine Observation and Data Network | EMODnet

Just over two years ago, in January 2023, EMODnet took a bold step by transforming from seven distinct Thematic Portals—covering Bathymetry, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Human Activities, Physics, and Seabed Habitats—into a single, unified web portal. Spearheaded by the EMODnet Central Portal Technical Team and thematic coordinators, this transition consolidated marine data access, simplifying user experience and enhancing efficiency.

A detailed map of the seabed and its associated habitats is essential for the sustainable management of our oceans. One of EMODnet Seabed Habitats main products is EUSeaMap, which is a broad-scale habitat map for all European sea basins, as well as the Caribbean. It represents a comprehensive, free and ready-to-use classified map of physical seabed habitats. There is an ongoing requirement to update this map with new and revised input data, in order to improve spatial coverage and resolution, thereby enhancing its usefulness. This storymap illustrates the different phases of EUSeaMap from the first iteration in 2012 to the most recently published version - EUSeaMap 2023.

EMODnet Bathymetry has consistently served as a key regional centre and significant contributor to the Nippon Foundation – GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project. Now, EMODnet Bathymetry has contributed its harmonized Digital Terrain Model (DTM) to a recently released, updated, Seabed 2030 map of the Arctic Seabed.

A new data set containing over 67,000 charted, uncharted, wrecks from around the world is now available on EMODnet. The data set is maintained by the UK Hydrographic Office and receives regular quarterly updates.

New maps for contaminants are accessible on the EMODnet Map Viewer. The main purpose of these visualisations is to show the spatial and temporal variability of the data in the water column, in biota and in sediment. Currently, maps are available for 12 contaminants in all European sea basins and beyond. These contaminants belong to the following groups of variables: Heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides and biocides, and antifouling agents. To learn more about EMODnet Chemistry's maps and data collections, follow us on this guided tour to explore the features of the Map Viewer.

Improved knowledge of coastal response to marine processes (resilience) and risk of coastal change (vulnerability) is crucial for coastal management in response to climate change. The new EMODnet Geology coastal resilience/vulnerability data product is a pan-European visualization, at variable scales, derived from a database of > 900 studies. Lower, intermediate and higher levels of coastline resilience/vulnerability are shown, with information on the wide range of methodological approaches used in their assessment indicating that geology and coastline shape (geomorphology) are key factors.

This new product, developed by Deltares in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, identifies areas suitable for reef habitats in the North Sea based on four key species occurrences and environmental variables such as bathymetry, grain size distribution, temperature and salinity.

EMODnet Biology is 3 months away from ending the two years of work planned for Phase V. During the next few weeks, the final deliverables will be published.

The Atlas team released a new tool – ‘My Notes’ – that allows users to annotate maps. Twelve new map stories are now available in the Atlas. A new quiz and a recently developed poster were added to the Atlas’ Teachers Corner. Four Maps of the Week’ were published in February: ‘Marine Natura 2000 Sites - Blue Carbon’, ‘Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs)’, ‘Plastic pollution’ and ‘Mission Actions and European Ocean Days 2025’.

EMODnet and the EU DTO will be showcased at European Ocean Days 2025, a week-long event organized by the European Commission for marine and maritime stakeholders to convene, exchange and advance marine knowledge, sustainability, and innovation. As part of this broader initiative, EMODnet and EU DTO (underpinned by the EDITO initiative) will be showcased during Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters Forum, taking place on 4 March 2025. EDITO will host an interactive booth, highlighting its critical role in digital ocean research and data accessibility. Multiple EMODnet Coordinators, Secretariat and wider experts will also represent EMODnet and EMODnet’s role in EU DTO at the Marine Knowledge for the Ocean Pact event on 7 March 2025.

Visit the EU Ocean Days 2025 website for more information: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/events/upcoming-events/mission-ocean-and-waters-forum-and-related-events-2025-03-03_en 

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference invites Member States, UN entities, Intergovernmental Organizations, and accredited non-governmental stakeholders to organize side events—either in-person or virtually. These events offer a platform to share knowledge, showcase solutions, and accelerate action toward achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water. Side events should align with the conference theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean” and should explore innovative approaches to ocean sustainability.

For more information visit: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/side-events 

In February 2025, Athanasia (Sissy) Iona, Head of the Hellenic National Oceanographic Data Centre and EMODnet Data Ingestion Scientific Coordinator presented the pollutant maps in the EMODnet Map Viewer to the EMODnet Chemistry Board of experts on the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). She highlighted the recent improvements and new visualisations. EMODnet Chemistry has been interacting with stakeholders involved in the Regional Seas Conventions and the MSFD since its launch in 2009. In 2017, this contact was formalised with the establishment of the Board of experts on the MSFD. The role of the panel is to advise the Consortium on the scope and definition of data products and services from the perspective of their use in the MSFD assessments. Find out more about the work of the MSFD board on the EMODnet Portal.

On 20 March 2025, Kate Larkin, Head of the EMODnet Secretariat, will present EMODnet in a plenary presentation at the EU Open Data Days 2025 event, organized by the Publications Office of the European Union, taking place on 19-20 March 2025 at the European Convention Centre in Luxembourg (ECCL) and online. This event is cross-domain and will showcase success stories in open data, such as EMODnet for the marine domain. To find out more information and join online visit: https://data.europa.eu/en/euopendatadays?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Join EMODnet at the EMD 2025 in Cork, Ireland, from 21-23 May 2025 where EMODnet and EU DTO will be exhibiting, together with other key actors in the European marine and maritime landscape, engaging also in stakeholder workshops and plenary sessions, including continuing the Oceans and Fisheries dialogues that are shaping the European Ocean Pact. Apply now to secure your spot: https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/theme/governance/european-maritime-day_en

Registration for the European Ocean Days 2025 is now closed, but you can still join online! From 3-7 March 2025, policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders will gather in Brussels to advance sustainable ocean management and governance. This flagship event will showcase the latest strategies and partnerships driving marine protection and a sustainable blue economy. Don’t miss your chance to follow key discussions shaping the future of our oceans.

Find out more: Mission Ocean and Waters Forum and related events - European Commission 

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