The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) launched a new Atlas of Marine Life, which provides data products and tools, models and maps that can be used to generate outputs from the EMODnet biology hosted data network.

From EMODnet about the launch:

Since the preparatory phase in 2009, the 22 partners of EMODnet Biology have collaborated to create an unparalleled repository of biological data, underpinned by the EurOBIS data infrastructure, allowing open-access for a wide-range of stakeholders across Europe.

The available data and products are structured around the biological essential ocean variables (EOVs) facilitating global interoperability and contributing to the aims of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, the relevant Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the activities focused around the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030).

Hosted on the EMODnet Biology website, the products are the result of two years of focused activity within phase three of EMODnet Biology.  Through an iterative process of end-user engagement and focused technical workshops, the initial 14 data products represent a wide-range of demand-led data products that help to answer fundamental and policy-driven questions related to managing natural and anthropogenic impacts in European waters.

Immediately available on the release of the Atlas are products including abundance maps and trends for Atlantic Copepods, fish, birds, mammals, zooplankton and phytoplankton species, traits-based maps of macrobenthic and fish functional groups, an analysis of thermal niches occupied by marine species groups, and maps showing the occurrence of marine invasive species in European waters, along with many more.  This gallery of products will continue to be expanded, as new and novel analyses take place by EMODnet Biology partners and the wider community.
 
EMODnet Biology is committed to supporting the FAIR principles (Findable – Accessible – Interoperable – Reusable) through the data and resulting products.  As such all data is open and code, and methodologies used in the creation of the data products are hosted in the EMODnet shared software repository, where data product code can be accessed and shared with the community.

EMODnet is also the host of the European Atlas of the Seas, which “provides information about Europe’s marine environment, covering topics such as nature, tourism, security, energy, passenger transport, sea bottom, sea level rise, fish consumption, and much more.”

About the Atlas of the Seas:

Users can benefit from an enriched catalog with more than 120 additional layers to explore, collate and create their own maps. These maps can be printed, shared and embedded in articles or presentations. The Atlas is the ideal tool for schools, researchers and professionals, or anyone wishing to enhance their knowledge or improve their products and services.

The Atlas aims to raise awareness of Europe’s seas and coasts in the context of the EU’s integrated maritime policy. Currently available in 4 languages (EN, FR, DE & NL), the Atlas will soon be available in all official languages of the European Union.

Learn more about the atlas and data products at EMODnet.

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