From 22–27 February 2026, the international ocean science community gathered in Glascow, Scottland to address the scientific, technical and governance challenges shaping the future of ocean observation and data management. EMODnet contributed through both a co-organised digital ocean session and a dedicated poster presentation, demonstrating how sustained coordination and infrastructure development at European level translate into tangible global impact.
On 23 February, the EMODnet Secretariat co-organised the session “Bridging the Ocean with Data: Connected Regional Services Driving a Resilient, Interoperable Global Ocean Digital Ecosystem” together with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Ocean Networks Canada and the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The discussion examined how regional marine data infrastructures can move beyond standalone portals to become interoperable, service-driven components of a coherent global system. Speakers addressed the increasing complexity of maintaining FAIR data practices, the rapid expansion of data flows from autonomous and remote systems, the urgency of safeguarding at-risk datasets, and the growing importance of visual and digital twin applications in ocean decision-making.
Conor Delaney, EMODnet Technical Coordinator presenting at OSM2026 ©EMODnet Secretariat
EMODnet presented the evolution of the EMODnet Portal from a federated web service architecture to a centralised operational model, demonstrating how governance alignment, technical consolidation and performance optimisation can significantly enhance scalability and user accessibility. This transition was positioned as a practical model for strengthening cross-regional marine data sharing and reinforcing interoperability at global scale. EMODnet Geology further illustrated how harmonised seabed data products underpin a common geological understanding of Europe’s maritime areas, enabling cross-border coherence in marine spatial planning, resource management and environmental assessment.
Anu Kaskela (GTK), EMODnet Geology Coordinator presenting at OSM 2026 ©EMODnet Secretariat
On 26 February, EMODnet Biology contributed with a poster presentation outlining its federated approach to publishing high-quality in situ marine biodiversity data. By combining international standards, rigorous quality control procedures and controlled vocabularies, EMODnet Biology ensures that data are published once and reused many times, strengthening interoperability while directly supporting marine policy implementation and Regional Sea Convention processes.
Joana Beja (VLIZ), EMODnet Biology Coordinator presenting at OSM 2026 ©EMODnet Secretariat
OSM 2026 provided a valuable platform for strategic exchange with international partners and underscored a shared understanding: interoperable, harmonised and sustainably governed marine data services are fundamental to delivering a resilient ocean future.