On April 16 and 17, the Institute of Marine Sciences hosted the meeting of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), an initiative of the European Commission that aims to collect and harmonize European marine data.
On April 16 and 17, the Institute of Marine Sciences hosted the meeting of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), an initiative of the European Commission that aims to collect and harmonize European marine data.
The main purpose of EMODnet is to unlock fragmented and hidden marine data resources from different disciplines such as bathymetry, geology, physics, chemistry, biology, benthic habitats and human activities, to make these available to individuals and organisations (public and private), and to facilitate investment in sustainable coastal and offshore activities through improved access to quality-assured free-access marine data.
The initiative has the EMODnet Data Ingestion portal, which counts with a network of 44 organizations from 29 coastal countries of Europe, including two Spanish centres: the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC). The ICM also works in coordination with the Spanish company LYRA Engineering & Consulting.
The meeting held these days in Barcelona was focus on the progress in the ingestion of new bathymetric, geological, physical, chemical, biological, coastal cartography, anthropic activity and seabed habitat data. New data will be processed and published in open access, opening up new opportunities for innovation and “blue growth”.
"Numerous scientific centres, public administration and companies are offering their data to EMODnet. Data collection is progressing, but we must continue our efforts to convince and attract all those who have information, given its potential of applied benefits to society", says Gemma Ercilla, main researcher of the EMODnet Ingestion Portal at the ICM.
EMODnet is an initiative supported by the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission (DG MARE) within the framework of the "Knowledge of the Marine Environment 2020" strategy.
Groupal photo from EMODnet meeting celebrated at the ICM-CSIC in Barcelona.
More information: http://www.emodnet.eu/