In December 2024, EMODnet Biology completed a major data publication, increasing its biodiversity data holdings by over 1.2 million new occurrence records, spanning a historical time period of > 100 years for a broad range of taxonomic groups from algae to marine mammals and more. This significantly enhances data coverage and accessibility across European regional seas and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
The newly published data, derived from a total of 60 datasets (19 new and 41 updates), spans over a century of observations (1890–2024) and covers a wide geographic range, including the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Baltic, Mediterranean, and North Seas. These datasets feature a broad spectrum of taxonomic groups routinely reported by EMODnet Biology, including Angiosperms, Macroalgae, Benthos, Birds, Fish, Mammals, Phytoplankton, Reptiles, and Zooplankton. By incorporating both historical and contemporary records, this expanded collection offers valuable insights into changing marine biodiversity patterns over time. All data are fully accessible for exploration, querying, and download through the EMODnet map viewer, supporting evidence-based research, policy-making, and marine resource management. The data are derived from multiple providers and EMODnet Biology works in close collaboration with EurOBIS to make these important biodiversity datasets accessible in the global Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) Portal.