Programme (version 15 April 2025)

DAY 1 (10 March 2025)

LOCAL TIME SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA (UTC-5)

08:30-09:15: Registration on site

09:15-09:30: Welcome speeches

SESSION 1: Ocean Biodiversity (and how we can collectively contribute to the needs of BBNJ and GBF)

Lead: Katherine Tattersall, Dan Lear
IODE Secretariat: Ward Appeltans

There is a growing global need for reliable biodiversity data to support efforts to halt biodiversity loss, reduce risks, restore ecosystems, enable a Nature Positive blue economy and promote sustainable use of marine resources. The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) has been facilitating marine biodiversity data collection and sharing for 25 years. Its role is increasingly important in supporting Frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea’s Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which rely on accurate data for decision making and to track progress. International programmes such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and OBIS help meet these requirements by delivering FAIR and open data, fit-for-purpose information products and tools to support Environmental Impact Assessments, Natural Capital Accounting, Area-based Management Tools such as Marine Protected Areas, and access and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources. This session welcomes presentations on projects and initiatives that enhance our ability to meet ocean biodiversity data needs and that support IODE and its OBIS to address these challenges, thereby contributing to meeting global targets and advancing ocean sustainability.

09:30-09:40: [ONSITE]

OBISBot: Enhancing Access to Marine Biodiversity Data through AI -presented by Marcos Zárate

[abstract]

The increasing demand for reliable biodiversity data to support global efforts in ocean sustainability highlights the importance of open and accessible information systems. The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) plays a critical role in facilitating marine biodiversity data collection and sharing, aligning with international frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). However, effectively accessing and utilizing OBIS data remains a challenge for non-experts.This project introduces OBISBot, a chatbot integrating the OBIS REST API with GPT-4, enabling users to query marine biodiversity data in natural language. By lowering technical barriers, OBISBot democratizes data access, supporting researchers, policymakers, and conservationists in making informed decisions. It enhances FAIR and open data usability, aligning with initiatives like the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON). Users can retrieve species occurrences, datasets, and statistics from OBIS, improving their ability to contribute to environmental impact assessments, area-based management, and sustainable marine resource use.

Key Contributions-Enhanced Data Accessibility: OBISBot simplifies interaction with OBIS data, making biodiversity information more accessible to a wider audience.-Decision Support for Sustainability: By streamlining data retrieval, the chatbot strengthens data-driven approaches for marine conservation and ecosystem restoration.-Scalability & Future Improvements: Future work will focus on optimizing performance, multilingual support, and integrating OBISBot into broader marine biodiversity monitoring frameworks.-OBISBot aligns with IODE and OBIS objectives, contributing to global biodiversity targets by improving the accessibility, usability, and impact of marine biodiversity data. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, this initiative supports a Nature Positive blue economy and advances ocean sustainability.

09:41-09:51:[ONSITE]

Biodiversity data management to increase knowledge in deep-sea areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor – presented by Ana Carolina Peralta

[abstract]

As part of the project, ‘Exploring deep seamount biodiversity and MPA monitoring strategies in the Colombian Pacific along bathymetric gradients,’ INVEMAR implemented a training course through the Ocean Teacher Global Academy Regional Training Centre for Latin America to support monitoring and management plans for deep-water Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) region. This was driven by the need to consolidate the most advanced regional deep-water map to identify, represent, and prioritize conservation features in the deep waters of the ETP. The course was attended by 20 scientists from partner institutions, such as INVEMAR (Colombia), University of Costa Rica, Fundación Amigos de Isla del Coco (Costa Rica), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI; Panama), Charles Darwin Foundation (Ecuador), and ETP-based national park staff from all member countries. The trainees learned about the basics of publishing marine biodiversity data in OBIS, including standards and formats for event data and the use of extensions, as well as the application and possibilities of articulation with monitoring initiatives such as MBON. They also had the opportunity to work with real biodiversity data from their studies in the area of interest, using case studies as a model to reinforce learning. INVEMAR played an important role by sharing its experience in biodiversity information management through OBIS and GBIF, and OBIS Caribbean and MBON also provided support in this regard. As a result, new perspectives on the publication of deep-sea data in the region emerged, several datasets were prepared to facilitate their early publication, and new collaborative relationships between specialists and participating entities were generated. We believe that strengthening the regional biodiversity data management capabilities will contribute to increasing and improving the information available for deep water in the MPAs of the ETP.

09:51-10:02: [ONSITE]

OSPAR Biodiversity Monitoring Data – Exposing the archive – presented by Chris Moulton

[abstract]

OSPAR’s vision is a: “clean, healthy and biologically diverse North-East Atlantic Ocean, which is productive, used sustainably and resilient to climate change and ocean acidification”. OSPAR’s sixteen Contracting Parties recognise that data, and the sharing of data, is fundamental to the achievement of this vision. In its North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030 (NEAES) it explicitly states: “Monitoring and assessment of the marine environment require the effective use and management of data and information to support the production of robust assessments. This will be achieved through the OSPAR Data and Information Management System (ODIMS) and the OSPAR Assessment Portal (OAP), allowing links to be made with other providers and consumers of OSPAR data and information. We are committed to ensuring that the data we use are findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable and reproduceable.”This commitment is especially important in relation to biodiversity and ecosystems data which are areas where data are often lacking. To ensure the production of robust assessments using openly available, supporting data, OSPAR has collectively established and agreed processes to establish joint assessment and monitoring programmes underpinned by coordinated environmental monitoring programmes.To strengthen OSPAR’s contribution at a global level it has become a member of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) as an Associate Data Unit (ADU).OSPAR sees its ADU role as an opportunity to supplement international data holdings with OSPAR’s unique data, in a standardised and structured fashion; in turn, maximising the return on the investment in data and information made by OSPAR, facilitating data reuse, collaboration and sharing of experiences, while supporting the achievement of global targets and the common goal of protecting the marine environment and the sustainable use of marine resources as highlighted in the BBNJ Agreement.

10:03-10:13: [ONSITE]

Building a pipeline for biodiversity data from the British Oceanographic Data Centre to OBIS: challenges and opportunities -presented by Gwenaëlle Moncoiffé

[abstract]

The British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) is a long-established data centre, a national facility for marine data in the UK, part of the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) Environmental Data Service (EDS) and the Data Archive Centre for water column oceanography for the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN), and a member of the IOC IODE’s network of National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC).One of the key national roles of BODC is to curate data from the marine environment collected during research programmes funded by the NERC. As part of this role, BODC curates plankton and occasionally, benthos data collected during research cruises all over the world. A key step in this curation process is to ensure that biological data collected alongside concomitant environmental measurements share the same set of rigorously quality controlled metadata elements, harmonised using controlled vocabularies. This process is supported by the ingestion of the data into BODC’s National Oceanographic series and samples databases from where data can be exported in multiple formats through either manual, semi-automated or fully automated pipelines.While BODC has long been a key provider of hydrographic, geophysical and biogeochemical data to major European and international data aggregators, it lacked the capacity to easily export biodiversity data to the OBIS network. Between April 2024 and February 2025, with funding from the DTO-BioFlow programme’s First Open Call for Biodiversity Data, a team of BODC data managers and developers started working on the necessary elements for a sustained and efficient data pipeline between BODC and the OBIS network via the UK OBIS node. This presentation will summarise the outcome of this project, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it offered, with particular emphasis on cross-domain interoperability.

10:14-10:24: [ONSITE]

Advances in marine biomolecular data management through OBIS and GBIF in Colombia- presented by Vanessa Yes Narvaez

[abstract]

Every lifeform in the ocean, from viruses to the whales, contains and leaves behind a biomolecular footprint that informs about their occurrence and biology. Despite Colombian mega diversity, vast natural resources and fast production of DNA-derived information and technology, for years national institutions had fallen behind in the generation of freely available molecular and genetic data of its marine biodiversity at public databases, mostly due to the lack of strong computational capacity and funds. Furthermore, evidence-supported decisions on conservation did not include biomolecular data, especially on hard-to-access zones such as the deep ocean, where genetic evidence usually falls into one of the few cost-effective tools available. For this reason, from 2022, Invemar aligned with several genomic networks worldwide, including OBON, adopting the strategy to enhance open-ocean biomolecular observations, to accelerate informed decisions on biodiversity management and protection. To achieve this through FAIR principles, SIB Colombia and SIBM have worked together in adapting marine DNA-derived occurrence data to international biodiversity data platforms standards including BOLDSYSTEMS, GBIF and OBIS ongoing efforts to increase the compatibility between standards for general biodiversity and genetic data. Therefore, several genetic occurrence metadata from both coastal and offshore campaigns in the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific were organized using the toolkit developed as part of the pilot phase of the GBIF Metabarcoding Data Programme. For this, both SIB and OBIS technicians are currently validating the accuracy of the provided information and adjusting it into reliable reference databases, which will enhance our data reporting ability, leveraging the increasing international interests on improving ‘Omics data availability. We are positive that reporting DNA-derived occurrences will provide insights of the current state of our extant biodiversity and the distribution of undescribed and new species which overall will become an additional effective and efficient decision-making mechanism for biological conservation and management.

10:25-10:35: [ONSITE]

Best Practices for Biodiversity Data: Enriching Contributions to International Data Repositories – presented by Patricia Martin Cabrera

[abstract]

The growing global demand for standardized biodiversity data underscores the need to document and share best practices in data management, particularly for international repositories such as the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). Advances in technology introduce new data types, such as imaging data, making it essential to ensure consistency across diverse sources. For sensor-generated biodiversity records, provenance information, such as species identification methods, encompassing both machine learning approaches and human validations for quality control, as well as biovolume and density calculations, provide critical context for data standardization and dataset integration. Additionally, including controlled vocabularies on the methodological choices such as instruments, sample acquisition methods, laboratory protocols, and device-specific measurements play a key role in ensuring data interoperability.Projects such as LifeWatch Belgium and iMagine are developing streamlined workflows that enhance the entire data lifecycle, from collection to publication. By leveraging innovative tools, these initiatives improve species identification and ensure that datasets are properly formatted according to biodiversity data standards, such as OBIS-ENV-DATA (De Pooter et al. 2017). Similarly, efforts like DTO-BioFlow are unlocking previously inaccessible biodiversity data streams and facilitating their integration into the Digital Twin Ocean (DTO), and ultimately into broader biodiversity aggregators like OBIS and EMODnet Biology.Several case studies will be presented to illustrate how data management best practices strengthen international data repositories, promoting accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. For example, LifeWatch datasets from Zooscan (https://dx.doi.org/10.14284/651) and Flowcam (https://dx.doi.org/10.14284/650), published in EurOBIS, have been updated in alignment with the Best Practices and Recommendations for Plankton Imaging Data Management (Cabrera et al., 2022). By adopting best practices and then linking datasets published in the repositories with the practices used, data providers can enhance data interoperability, optimize resource use, and improve dataset integration.

10:36-10:47: [ONSITE]

Federating biomolecular data in the ocean’s digital ecosystem: sustainable data flows from observation to Essential Ocean Variables – presented by Pier Luigi Buttigieg

[abstract]

The oceans teem with biomolecules which both track and shape the patterns of life across spatiotemporal scales. Over the past few decades, observational technologies have unlocked the biomolecular realm – particularly that of nucleotide polymers like DNA – and have granted profound new insights into marine ecosystems. The Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) is a UN Ocean Decade Programme that is coordinating a range of Decade Actions on the frontier of biomolecular observing. The data produced by these systems is flowing through a cyberdiverse collection of digital systems, including long-standing global assets such as the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and the International Nucleotide Database Collaboration (INSDC), as well as local systems with highly variable capacity and operational models. In this contribution, we summarise a joint effort of OBON and Horizon Europe’s Marine Coastal Biodiversity Long-term Observations Project (MARCO-BOLO) to ensure coordinated and sustained flow of biomolecular data through the emerging ocean digital ecosystem. We focus on linked open data architectures directing such data through the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) and into emerging Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) systems delivering the biological and ecological Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs). Early efforts to support frameworks stemming from the Nagoya Protocol’s Digital Sequence Information policies, BBNJ, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) via alignment to the CARE principles will also be described. We are developing these solutions openly and transparently, and invite all to co-develop and reuse them in building robust biomolecular data layers in support of Vision 2030.

10:47-10:57: [ONLINE]

Data in Support of the BBNJ Process: Mapping Use Cases for Marine Biodiversity in the High Seas – presented by Wenwen Lyu

[abstract]

Data plays a fundamental role in improving human understanding of the largely unexplored ocean and forms the backbone of emerging technologies that support ocean-related decision-making. Linking data to ongoing political process is essential to addressing global marine biodiversity data needs in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Despite progress in marine biodiversity data collection and management, current research lacks a holistic understanding of how data was used to support marine biodiversity conservation in high seas—a gap that becomes even more pronounced in the context of multilateral negotiations. This paper bridges the gap through a systematic literature review, mapping data use cases of marine biodiversity in the high seas. It then aligns data use cases with the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) to identify data needs across four BBNJ thematic pillars, namely marine genetic resources (MGRs); area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs); environmental impact assessments (EIAs); and capacity building and technology transfer (CB&TT). Findings suggest that existing research is either dominated by case-specific studies, often conducted by biologists, or focused on data standardization, with limited attention to the political dimension of data uses. By untangling data use cases and examining their political implications within the framework of the BBNJ Agreement, this paper offers key considerations for future marine biodiversity data governance in ABNJ.

11:00-11:30: COFEE BREAK

10:30-10:40: [ONLINE]

Contributions of the World Register of Marine Species to ocean biodiversity data needs- presented by Leen Vandepitte

[abstract]

Taxonomy is at the heart of our knowledge and insights into marine biodiversity. It forms the basis for research and better understanding of the speed of species descriptions and biodiversity changes in the ever-changing marine world. The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) provides a dynamic, authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms, including information on synonymy. WoRMS is the official taxonomic reference list for the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), and has been similarly licensed to more than 500 organizations around the world. This Register of species names will promote accuracy, eliminate redundancy, and overall serve to strengthen other species initiatives in providing reliable, scientifically accurate information on the web.Within the long-standing WoRMS-OBIS collaboration, the goal is to link each taxon name in OBIS to a taxon entry in WoRMS. This will ensure that e.g. different names in use for the same taxon are tightly linked together, avoiding a potential overestimation of the diversity in a specific region. When no matching is possible, the names are closely investigated and – where possible – they receive an annotation, explaining why there cannot be a match to the World Register of Marine Species. WoRMS is an internationally accepted standard, when it comes to knowledge of marine taxon names. On its own, WoRMS is strong, but gains tremendous added value when connected to other global systems. In 2023, a UNESCO-driven collaboration between WoRMS, OBIS and Marine Regions led to unprecedented insights into the importance of World Heritage marine sites as safe havens for several IUCN Red List threatened and vulnerable species. Statistical information from WoRMS also contributes to the second and third World Ocean Assessment, also here in combination with OBIS and Marine Regions. 

10:41- 10:51: [ONLINE]

Predicting the current and future distribution of marine species to support conservation targets -presented by Silas Candido Principe

[abstract]

Global agreements aim to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, with at least 10% of areas designated as fully protected. To achieve this goal, countries will establish marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). However, determining where to establish these areas to protect critical biodiversity remains a challenge. Moreover, conservation areas should consider the potential effects of climate change to ensure future resiliency. As part of the Horizon Europe project “MPA Europe,” which uses systematic conservation planning to map a network of MPAs representative of species, habitats, and ecosystems in Europe, the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) has developed species distribution models (SDMs) for more than 12,000 marine species. SDMs are statistical tools that predict the potential distribution of species by analyzing the relationship between species occurrences and environmental conditions. Our modeling framework aggregated occurrence data from OBIS, the world’s largest marine biodiversity data repository, and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), along with environmental data from Bio-ORACLE v3.0. Models were fitted at high resolution (~5 km) and projected onto future conditions using five Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios based on CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project). We also produced distribution maps of habitats by stacking individual maps of biogenic species (e.g. seagrass). The framework is fully open-source and available at https://github.com/iobis/mpaeu_sdm, allowing for modifications and applications in other regions worldwide. To facilitate result exploration, we developed a web application based on Shiny, providing access to all maps, associated metrics, and model details (available at https://shiny.obis.org/distmaps/). Users can generate reports, download source data, and obtain Jupyter Notebooks to run models locally with customized parameters. As a next step, we envision the broader application of this framework to other species globally, offering a valuable resource for marine biodiversity protection and management.

10:52-12:10: Q&A

SESSION 2: Capacity development facilitating data, information, and knowledge exchange

Leads: Carolina Garcia, Johanna Diwa
IODE Secretariat: Ana Carolina Mazzuco

Equitable capacity is key to accelerating global progress in ocean science and sustainable management and will be decisive in enabling nations to overcome current and future crises. In this context, this session invites presentations on initiatives that contribute to developing local, regional, and global capacity in ocean science, focusing on technologies, services, and products that facilitate access and sharing of data, information, and knowledge. The session welcomes initiatives working both at the individual and institutional levels of capacity building, including actions such as training, community engagement and literacy, facilitating mechanisms, and emerging technologies that address priority areas of IOC Programmes and Regions, UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs as well as supporting the implementation of the IOC Capacity Development Strategy. A special focus will be dedicated to the contributions of the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) Regional and Specialized Training Centres (RTC/STCs), and affiliated partners, including Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs), invited to communicate about their developments and achievements.

12:10-12:20: [ONSITE]

MARINE GEOLOGICAL DATA EXCHANGE AND MAPPING OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA IN THE EMODnet- GEOLOGY PROJECT- Presented by Edward Salazar Ortiz

[abstract]

In 2024, the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) started a new field of research in oceanic geology, in charge of providing morphological, geomorphological and geological cartography of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This makes part of new projects aimed of facing new challenges for geosciences focused on mainly water management, dynamics of climate change, submarine geohazards and marine areas. The last with the aim of improving our comprehension of the geological and geomorphological mechanisms that model and condition the bottom of our territorial seas and oceans. With this new scientific approach, a cartographic methodology was developed at 1:100 000 scale by using the inputs available to the SGC such as 2D and 3D seismic, bathymetry, digital terrain models and piston corer. This is how the first underwater morphological offshore map of the Buenaventura in the Pacific Ocean was delivered, with an area of about 14 200 km2. Areas were identified at the morphological map: 1) The continental shelf area with an area of 3400 km2 and depths ranging from -15 to -45 m. 2) The upper slope with 3700 km2 and depths between -150 and -1400 m, with high slopes, canyons and highly incised channels. 3) The middle slope characterized by sinuous and deep canyons, faults, domes and morphological highs, with a total area of 4600 km2 and depths between -3000 and -3700 m. 4) The lower slope composed of escarpments and ridges with an extension of 1600 km2 and depths between -3800 and -4000 m. 5) The abyssal plain with depths greater than -4000 m and a flat morphology.This new map will be mainly useful for land use planning, characterization of geohazards,development of marine infrastructure such as the deployment of undersea digital data cables and, importantly, contributing to marine geosciences as it is the first morphological map delivered in Colombia.

12:21-12:31: [ONSITE]

REDCAM una estrategia para el seguimiento de la contaminación marina en Colombia- Presented by Paola Sofía Obando madera

[abstract]

El Programa Nacional de Monitoreo “Red de Vigilancia para la conservación y protección de la calidad de las aguas marinas de Colombia – REDCAM”, es una estrategia que soporta el componente marino del Sistema Nacional Ambiental – SINA de Colombia. REDCAM, lleva 25 años monitoreando variables físico-químicas, microbiológicas y contaminantes en aproximadamente 360 puntos de muestreo ubicadas en el Caribe y Pacífico colombianos. Con el propósito de contar con una herramienta de gestión de datos con el alcance de un repositorio nacional que, de soporte al flujo de información, el INVEMAR ha desarrollado una plataforma tecnológica que integra los datos y permite mediante módulos de consulta online visualizar agregaciones espaciales y temporales. El sistema REDCAM, actualmente almacena datos de 81 variables ambientales (27 plaguicidas, 14 Microbiológicos, 12 Metales, 1 Hidrocarburo, 27 Fisicoquímicas, 10 de microplásticos), provenientes de más de 60 proyectos, con un acervo digital de cerca de 1.000.000 registros del periodo 1992-2024; información que ha sido colectada en coordinación con las autoridades ambientales de los 12 departamentos marino-costeros de Colombia. El sistema cuenta con módulos estadísticos que ofrece más de 13 operaciones, que alimentan una bodega de datos definida con más de 38 niveles de agregación; un visor geográfico donde los usuarios pueden conocer el comportamiento espacial y temporal de las variables medidas en los puntos de muestreo; y el módulo del índice de calidad de aguas marinas – ICAM, el cual luego de varios años de trabajo del grupo de expertos nacional ha sido reconocido como un instrumento de análisis y hace parte de las estadísticas ambientales de la agenda nacional de indicadores de Colombia. Como estrategia de divulgación, la REDCAM ha publicado con una frecuencia anual 22 informes con el diagnóstico y el Atlas de la calidad de las aguas marinas y costeras de Colombia, entre otros.

12:32-12:42: [ONSITE]

Blue-Cloud workbenches for Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)- presented by Nydia Catalina Reyes Suarez

[abstract]
Blue-Cloud is an open science platform for collaborative marine research. It contributes to the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EDITO) and is a candidate node of the European Open Science Cloud. Based on the D4science e-Infrastructure, it provides open and seamless access to services for storing, managing, analysing and reusing research data across boundaries and disciplines. It supports the blue research communities by developing a collaborative web-based environment that provides simplified access to multidisciplinary datasets, analytical services and computational facilities essential for blue science.One of the goals of Blue-Cloud 2026 (https://blue-cloud.org/) is to develop, validate and document new analytical big data workbenches to produce a set of harmonized and validated data collections for a selection of EOVs in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. Beacon (https://beacon.maris.nl/) will provide a high performance data lake solution for storing, subsetting and rapidly querying large amounts of data. The workbenches aim to integrate and harmonize data and metadata from different blue data infrastructures (Copernicus Marine Service, CMEMS; European Marine Observation and Data Network, EMODnet-Chemistry; World Ocean Database, WOD; ARGO, SeaDataNet,…) by combining Beacon with semantic harmonization and mappings. The webODV service enables data exploration and visualization, which is useful for the initial validation of the merged beacon datasets. Duplicates are analyzed using webODV and clone-wars, a web application developed to analyze duplicates and for further quality control.The workbenches cover a wide range of topics related to the marine environment, ecosystems and data types (physical, biological, chemical, in-situ, remote and from autonomous vehicles data, etc.) relevant for assessing the state of the oceans and generating knowledge beyond marine science

12:43-12:53: [ONSITE]

25 years & two generations: The involvement of citizen youth in an education network for marine conservation in Peru – presented by Carlos Francisco Yaipen-Llanos [ONSITE]

[abstract]

Over the past 25 years, the role of marine data accessible from and for the public, changed. The Organization for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Animals –ORCA, started the Stranding and Conservation Network of Peru. Citizen involvement as data source developed the possibility of access to education and conservation through an active communication system. Governmental responsibility in Peru was committed to comply with acquired international accords and with limited impact, focused on fisheries, and no involvement of Peruvian citizens. This paradigm changed with the nationwide participation of the public, especially the younger citizens of Peru, implementing in the first decade 7 participation programs for children, teenagers, university students, international students, adults, beachgoers and authorities. Today, our education network called “Red Aleta Educativa” connect these programs to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development demonstrating that public participation can provide information, brings awareness, and promotes activism in real time sensitizing the audience towards ocean issues while saving lives. This initiative for capacity development has managed to mobilize 10,320 student teenagers, 13,200 beach clean-up participants, 4,400 local citizen volunteers, over 900 university volunteers, 50+ coastal city halls with over 1500 police officers involved in marine conservation activities, from beach clean-ups to wildlife rescues and sightings reports. The multiplying effect reached an estimated of 120,000 families in 25 years. The SDG 14 “Life Below Water” became a real action-wide motivator, where the number of reports has exponentially increased from December 2000 to December 2024. The ever-growing Peruvian coastal population, with two generations of youth aware for marine species conservation, has become the frame to create this new way of involvement for the newer generations, a beacon of hope and action for marine education science. This long-term initiative is still functional and still creates an impact.

13:00-14:30: LUNCH

14:30-14:40: [ONLINE]

Data Management for the EMO BON Genomics Observation Network: for humans and machines- presented by Katrina Exter

[abstract]

The European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) generates marine genomic data spanning a wide geographic area in Europe, with a strong focus on long-term (meta)data interoperability, comparability, and standardisation. EMO BON provides valuable insights on ocean biodiversity, which allows us to extract effective information for marine management and conservation, eventually contributing to operationalising biomonitoring. The challenge with augmented biodiversity observation data is that they are diverse (raw genomic and physicochemical data, images, and analysis outputs; all with their own metadata), highly distributed (in data collection and data storage), and generated by different operators at frequent time intervals. EMO BON data are created and stored in a distributed network of shared drives (Google), analysis resources’ platforms (MGnify), data management spaces (PlutoF), sequence data repositories (ENA). Both humans and machines are deeply involved in the (meta)data collection, quality control (QC), exposure, and use, and so both have been integrated into the data management processes.
To efficiently manage our multiple individual data-flows, while still allowing access for all necessary parties and full traceability, we bring all digital objects together in our EMO BON GitHub (GH) space, thus centralising data management. The digital research objects (ROs) are harvested as data files or as links (URIs) from their source locations, and they are QCed, semantically-enriched, packaged, linked, and exposed via GH-based workflows.The final exposed result of this uses RO-Crates, W3id persistent identifiers, and semantic web technology standards, to self publish, on the web, the EMO BON artefacts as FAIR Digital Objects interconnected with the Research Knowledge Graph. This open and FAIR sharing allows standard web-harvesting of all available (meta)data, supporting flexible repurposing. The project aggregates all the data into a SPARQL endpoint; a supporting python library allowing for data and scientific analyses inside dedicated Virtual Research Environments.

14:41-14:51:[ONLINE]

Harnessing Ocean Data for Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Hydrographic Perspective from Port Operations – presented by Gesica Canivete

[abstract]

The integration of high-quality ocean data into Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) frameworks, such as Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), is essential for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Ports, as strategic maritime hubs, depend on hydrographic and oceanographic data—such as bathymetry, tides, currents, waves, and water quality—to enhance navigational safety, optimize operations, and mitigate environmental risks.This presentation explores how standardized ocean data supports decision-making in port operations and coastal resilience. Through case studies, it will demonstrate the application of real-time and historical datasets in tackling challenges such as sediment management, climate change adaptation, and increasing competition for ocean space. Practical examples will highlight the use of hydrographic surveys, remote sensing, and GIS-based modeling to improve maritime safety, support sustainable dredging, and enhance port infrastructure resilience.
Additionally, the discussion examines the role of global and regional ocean data initiatives, particularly those from IOC’s IODE program (e.g., OBIS, ODIS), National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), and port authorities, in advancing data-driven coastal and maritime management. The presentation will showcase collaborative efforts between hydrographers, policymakers, and port stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of accessible, high-quality ocean data in sustainable decision-making.By demonstrating the operational and strategic value of robust ocean data systems, this presentation provides actionable insights into leveraging hydrographic information for efficient, climate-resilient, and environmentally responsible port operations within the SOPM framework

14:52-15:02: [ONSITE]

Marine Biodiversity Data Gaps in the Caribbean: Advancing Regional Collaboration, Data Sharing, and Capacity Building- presented by Ana Carolina Peralta

[abstract]

Biodiversity science in support of sustainable development depends on data to understand ecosystems, monitor changes, and guide conservation efforts. However, challenges like data silos, limited expertise, and unequal resources delay progress in creating forecasts, developing scenarios, and sharing biodiversity knowledge (status and trends), especially for marine life compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Ocean Science Open Data principles aim to create an equitable, inclusive framework for biodiversity research and conservation efforts, while enhancing nature’s contributions to people.
This presentation highlights two key aspects: (1) the state of data contributions to the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), addressing imbalances in data accessibility across the Caribbean, and (2) regional efforts to build interoperable biodiversity monitoring systems, data sharing, and enhanced capacity. OBIS, an open-access marine biodiversity database holds 3,220,856 presence/absence records for the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). About 90% of these records come from Colombia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, with 75% of data focusing on Teleostei, Malacostraca, and Anthozoa classes. To address these regional and taxonomic gaps IOCARIBE-GOOS are identifying priority observational needs, fostering regional strategies for ocean observing and forecasting, and strengthening partnerships through information-sharing initiatives. Programs like the IOCARIBE Ocean Data and Information Working Group, IOCARIBE Capacity Development, OBIS, Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), and the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) work collaboratively with private, academic, and government groups including Indigenous Peoples and Local communities, to advance in interoperable biodiversity monitoring and capacity sharing, using CARE and FAIR data principles. A new regional training programme, ADAPT, aims to equip regional stakeholders with skills to collect, share, and re-use ocean data for informed decision-making. By targeting marine biodiversity data, this project empowers practitioners to adopt and refine best practices, supporting sustainable ocean governance in the Caribbean region.

15:03-15:13:[ONSITE]

Capacity development for Spanish speaking: sharing and strengthening experiences for Latin American and the Caribbean region- presented by Carolina Garcia Valencia

[abstract]

The Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA) offers a comprehensive web-based training platform that supports face-to-face, virtual classroom (online and distance) or blended training on priority data and information topics of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the SDGs of Agenda 2030, as well as those of the Capacity Development Strategy of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The OTGA Colombia Regional Training Center (RTC Colombia), located at the José Benito Vives de Andréis Marine and Coastal Research Institute (INVEMAR), is part of the global network of regional and specialized centers that offer training in Spanish for professionals from Latin American and Caribbean countries, in specific topics such as climate change (ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation, carbonate measurement SDG 14.3.1), integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning PEM, Marine Protected Areas, information technologies (marine GIS), marine environmental quality, data management for OBIS, among other topics identified as necessary for the region. Since 2015, RTC Colombia has taught 58 courses with 1,474 students (47% men and 53% women) from 34 countries (24% South American, 27% Central American, 18% Caribbean, 15% European, 9% Asian, 3% Australian, and 3% North American). The courses with the highest student participation have historically been on the topics of marine protected areas, information technologies applied to the marine environment (marine GIS), blue carbon, and integrated coastal zone management (PEM). After the pandemic years, challenges are faced such as managing economic funds to return to face-to-face training, as well as adapting and advancing in specialized training topics that truly respond to the greatest needs of the region. One of the valuable contributions of the regional ocean professional community is the generation of networking derived from some courses, linking them to sharing the best experiences.

15:14-15:24:[ONSITE]

Delivering architecture for a Digital Twin project: A glider data manager perspective- presented by Olivia Pampaloni

[abstract]

During the summer of 2024, the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) at the UK National Oceanography Centre supported the SyncED-Ocean (Synchronising Earth Observation and Modelling Frameworks Towards a Digital Twin Ocean) project. This project aimed at coupling Earth observations and G2 Slocum glider data to model Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and coastal deoxygenation in the Western English Channel area, and produce a real time copy model (Digital Twin) of the ecosystem. Artificial intelligence was used to analyse the uncertainty within this Digital Twin, and to generate optimised daily mission plans for the piloting of the gliders that collected the data needed to remove the Digital Twin’s environmental uncertainties. The architecture relies on a seamless transition of information between several institutes to allow 24/7 data processing. The BODC has developed a Near Real Time (NRT) data monitoring system and a platform-agnostic Metadata Capture Application for autonomous platforms with the aim of simplifying the communication of essential metadata required for automatic data processing. As we look to the future and a net zero emission world, we are expecting a significant increase in autonomous deployments alongside an effort to increase artificial intelligence within Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS). During the SyncED-Ocean project, BODC data managers identified areas of improvement to enable such Digital Twin projects to thrive in the future.This talk will cover the lessons learnt in supporting a Digital Twin architecture from a Data Centre perspective and how the BODC is engaging with partners to look at how we can build capacity in facilitating metadata and data within these NRT systems. 

15:25-15:35: [ONSITE]

Strengthening the OBIS Network in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building / Fortalecimiento de la Red OBIS en América Latina y el Caribe: Cooperación Regional y Desarrollo de Capacidades- presented by Erika Montoya Cadavid

[abstract]

LatinAmerica and the Caribbean (LAC) has 6 active OBIS-nodes, 1 regional (Caribbean) and 5 national (Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador), that contributed more than 3.5M marine biodiversity records. However, contribution and mobilization data flow to OBIS and GBIF platforms slowed down by various barriers and limitations. Including unequal access to knowledge on standards and data management, language and technology, and limited integration of local knowledge. In addition, the region faces specific challenges such as the extraction of historical data, including non-digital formats; inadequate technological infrastructure; and lack of national policies that support open science and processes for documenting, mobilizing and publishing data.LAC OBIS Nodes created a regional working-group contributing strategies to identify and fill information gaps, increase availability of marine data and promoting collaboration between different efforts and initiatives. These include, (1) Training in data standards through workshops as “Standardized Marine Biological Data Mobilization” and other courses, in spanish to facilitate the preparation and publication of data. (2) Self-managed courses in Spanish: such as those developed by the Colombian, Caribbean and Chilean nodes, providing a solid foundation for understanding OBIS. (3) Outreach webinars: the latest programme created and led by OBIS Caribbean, with all Latin American nodes, to increase the use of OBIS as a data repository and to promote training in LatinAmerica and the Caribbean.It also highlights the collaboration and integration between OBIS and GBIF through projects supported by IDB-GBIF funds, which have promoted data mobilization and ensured alignment between the two systems. This collaborative approach highlights the role of networks and scientists incentives and data stewards, laying the foundations for an inclusive and accessible data ecosystem. The challenges for consolidating open science in LatinAmerica and the Caribbean include continued capacity building, fostering international collaboration, and securing resources for sustainable and accessible infrastructures.

15:35-15:46: [ONLINE]

Plataforma REMARCO: una estrategia para la sistematización y seguimiento de la contaminación marina por microplásticos en Latinoamérica y el Caribe- presented by Daniel Alejandro Carrasco Palma

[abstract]

The Research Network of Marine-Coastal Stressors in Latin America and the Caribbean – REMARCO, is a voluntary, non-profit, interdisciplinary research network involving 18 countries in the region.It was created within the framework of the technical cooperation programs of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL), in order to contribute to the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 17.As a result of REMARCO’s participation in IAEA technical cooperation projects, an Information Management System (IMS) was developed in 2019 to make available on the web the information generated by microplastics monitoring in beaches and coastal areas through systematic and harmonized data collection.To date, the REMARCO platform has become an international repository of information obtained through harmonized methodologies that allow the generation of valid and comparable data, including the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Currently, it has information generated during the execution of the IAEA-funded projects ARCAL-RLA7022, RLA7025 and ARCAL-RLA7028 (in progress), from 47 study sites in the member countries of the network and more than 106 monitoring activities carried out during the years 2019 to 2024.The researchers themselves enter these data and their results into the platform, which are available online for public access through downloadable maps and reports.Thanks to these actions, REMARCO generates validated scientific information necessary for decision-making and for the integrated and sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment in the region, contributing significantly to the global actions of the Ocean Decade and to the IAEA´s NUTEC Plastics Strategy.

15:47-15:57: [ONLINE]

Capacity Development for Sustainable Fisheries: Reflections on Bridging Technology and Practice- presented by Adel Heenan

[abstract]

Capacity development is pivotal to meeting global development goals, as demonstrated by its prominence in the Sustainable Development Goals and other international agreements. However, despite this growing recognition, challenges persist in translating capacity development principles into effective, sustainable practices, due in part, to limited empirical studies available to inform theoretical frameworks. This paper contributes to addressing this gap by examining the capacity strengthening efforts of Global Fishing Watch, a technology-focused NGO, in the use of satellite-based technologies and big data to improve monitoring and management of fisheries.Using three case studies in Latin America – a national government authority managing a distant water fleet, a transboundary collaboration managing a biodiversity-rich marine corridor, and multiple stakeholder interpretations of foreign fishing fleet activities – we analyse the practical challenges and successes of these interventions. Through thematic analysis, we reveal tensions between capacity development striving to increase access to innovation and new technology, the formal systems characteristic of public institutions, and the dynamic contextual environments in which these initiatives are implemented. We share lessons learned that are applicable beyond the fisheries sector in Latin America, offering insights into better approaches for intervention design, implementation and evaluation, particularly in the context of technological advancements.

16:00-16:30:COFEE BREAK

16:30-16:40: [ONSITE]

Online training as an effective tool for capacity building: insights from the VLIZ/OTGA Ocean Data Management course series- presented by Greg Reed

[abstract]

Effective data management is crucial to ensuring the longevity, utility, and accessibility of scientific data. Data and information exchange have long been important topics in ocean sciences and the endorsement of data sharing and FAIR principles as key to sustainable ocean planning and management has raised awareness and driven the demand for training and capacity development. The OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) Ocean Data Management online self-paced course series (2022 to 2025), created through a collaboration between the VLIZ Data Centre and OTGA Regional Training Centre Belgium, aims to disseminate ocean data knowledge to the global community. These courses provide a comprehensive introduction to general aspects of the management of marine data, including the research data life cycle, metadata, quality control, data policy, data sharing and publishing, and data management plans. This series of courses has transitioned from instructor-led to a self-paced format. The benefits of self-paced learning include flexibility, accessibility, inclusiveness, global coverage, convenience for learners and a cost-effective solution allowing longer availability and broader participation. The successful delivery of these self-paced online courses and the positive feedback have prompted the organizers to mobilize efforts to expand specific topics into new learning materials (e.g., the Biological Data Management courses 2024 and 2025), effectively responding to community needs and priorities. Due to positive feedback, these courses have the potential to become a fixed part of curricula or onboarding in institutions handling marine data. These courses have been key to empowering learners around the world to implement core tasks related to data preservation and long-term stewardship in ocean research, contributing to the Ocean Decade Data and Information Strategy and the UNESCO-IOC Capacity Development Strategy

16:41-16:51: [ONSITE]

FORTALECIENDO LA GESTIÓN MARINA: CARACTERIZACIÓN DE CORRIENTES SUPERFICIALES Y ACCESIBILIDAD DE DATOS EN PUERTOS CLAVE DEL PACÍFICO COLOMBIANO- presented by Laura Marcela Vasquez Lopez

[abstract]

La Dirección General Marítima a través del Centro de Investigaciones Oceanográficas e Hidrográficas del Pacífico, en el marco del proyecto de caracterización de corrientes superficiales en los principales puertos del Pacífico colombiano (Bahías de Tumaco, Buenaventura y Málaga), diseñó e implementó una metodología integral para la adquisición y procesamiento de datos oceanográficos. La metodología fue adaptada para perfiladores de corrientes ADCP en modo Vessel y fondeo; y ajustada a las características de las zonas de estudio. Durante el proyecto, se realizaron campañas de recolección de datos y una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva para identificar pruebas de control de calidad de primer y segundo nivel, alineadas con los estándares de la IODE y las recomendaciones del fabricante del equipo. Estas pruebas fueron automatizadas e implementadas mediante herramientas de programación en Python y ArcGIS Pro, logrando procesar, limpiar y estandarizar más de 12 millones de datos. Los metadatos correspondientes fueron generados y almacenados en el repositorio colombiano de datos oceanográficos (CECOLDO), asegurando el acceso abierto y la reutilización de la información por parte de la comunidad científica y los tomadores de decisiones. Adicionalmente, se elaboraron capas geográficas que fueron integradas en una aplicación interactiva diseñada para permitir análisis descriptivos del comportamiento de las corrientes, según la fase de marea y diferentes meses del año. Esta información es una herramienta importante para la salvaguarda de la vida humana en el mar y proporciona insumos relevantes para investigaciones en áreas como la productividad primaria, el transporte de sedimentos y la gestión sostenible de los recursos marinos.

16:52-17:02:[ONSITE]

EuroGOOS data policy underpinning the Ocean Decade digital ocean ecosystem- presented by Thierry Carval

[abstract]

The EuroGOOS data policy is fundamental to the development and effective operation of the digital ocean ecosystem that contributes to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Without a clear and effective data policy, the exchange and utilization of oceanographic data is obstructed, thereby jeopardizing ocean research and sustainability efforts.Operational oceanography provides significant economic and societal benefits by supporting marine decision-making and policies and delivering essential services for a sustainable blue economy. Free, open, and timely sharing of oceanographic data is crucial for advancement of scientific knowledge. However, gaps and barriers still hinder this marine data circulation.The EuroGOOS DataMEQ working group developed and enforced the EuroGOOS Data Policy to support the implementation of the IOC Data Policy in Europe. The data policy improves the European marine FAIR data and metadata circulation. The EuroGOOS Data Policy is a cornerstone for the Ocean Decade, ensuring open and FAIR access to key ocean data. By mandating members to openly share Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), EuroGOOS supports the Decade’s digital ocean ecosystem and key services like the Copernicus Marine Service and EMODnet. The policy aligns with global frameworks (WMO, GOOS, ICES, SOOS) to promote cohesive global ocean data accessibility.This transparent data exchange underpins vital societal and economic benefits, from maritime safety and climate modelling to sustaining the blue economy, aligning seamlessly with the Ocean Decade’s vision for a well-connected and informed global ocean community.We will present the EuroGOOS Data Policy recommendations in more detail and how it will help improve ocean data circulation and use in support of global policies and societal challenges, towards the co-development of a digital ocean ecosystem, as key legacy of the Ocean Decade.

17:03-17:23: Q&A

Day 2 (11 March 2025)

SESSION 3: Working towards a federated Global Ocean Data Ecosystem
ongoing initiatives, partnerships and ambitions towards the Ocean Decade Vision 2030 outcomes

Lead: Adam Leadbetter / Terry McConnell
IOC Secretariat: Peter Burger

In this session we invite presentations on how the global community is contributing to the development of a federated global ocean data ecosystem, including through the Ocean Decade framework and in particular the Decade Data and Information Strategy Implementation, the Vision 2030 process for Challenges 7 and 8 and specific Decade Actions.
Presentations will also highlight the cooperation between IODE and its network of partners, including objectives, outcomes and lessons learned that may be applied to other cooperations, further advancing the Global Ocean Data Ecosystem.

The Bangladesh Delta faces significant challenges due to climate change, urbanization, and human activities, making it crucial to assess coastal and shoreline dynamics for sustainable management. This study employs an integrated methodology using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor and analyze climate impacts from 1994 to 2024. The research focuses on four key areas: quantifying historical and contemporary shoreline changes, mapping shoal development and channel migration, analyzing land-use and reclamation patterns, and evaluating environmental impacts on coastal ecosystems. Advanced tools such as the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and techniques like supervised classification, NDWI analysis, and environmental health indicator assessments were utilized. Results include shoreline dynamics assessment, shoal and tidal channel mapping, and land-use change detection, validated through ground-truthing and socio-economic data. Vulnerability mapping and climate impact modeling highlight at-risk areas, providing insights into sediment transport, ecosystem changes, and biodiversity shifts. The findings are synthesized into actionable recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and sustainable management strategies. This research offers a robust framework to support climate-resilient coastal planning and adaptation efforts in the Bangladesh Delta.