EMODnet for Society

The democratisation of science and open access to scientific data has a positive knock-on effect on society, making marine knowledge more accessible than ever before. In addition, civil society e.g., non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and citizens are increasingly using marine knowledge, and collecting ocean observations and primary marine data e.g., through citizen science initiatives. EMODnet is a solution for in situ citizen science and societal data and is active in a number of areas, helping to shape a more informed and aware society that is not only engaged but empowered and connected to the Ocean, leading to a society that values the Ocean and is more engaged leading to more effective and fit-for-use ocean and coastal management.

For instance, EMODnet is increasingly used as a marine knowledge resource by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in ocean management and conservation activities, who in turn are also collecting data that can be ingested and made available via EMODnet. In 2025 EMODnet will organize a round-table dialogue with NGOs to discuss marine data needs and requirements, and opportunities for data sharing.  EMODnet is also a growing hub for citizen science where data can be submitted to EMODnet to be integrated into EMODnet’s pan-European data and data products. EMODnet provides advice and expertise in data and metadata collection standards and best practices to citizens and citizen science initiatives to promote both the engagement of citizens in the Ocean and to diversify and expand in situ data collection efforts which are greatly needed in and around the coast and land-sea interface and offshore.

EMODnet data also powers the European Atlas of the Seas, an online European Commission communication web-mapping tool where open-source data from the European coast and ocean are made available together with storytelling and teaching resources to promote ocean literacy, education and societal awareness. Here, open source data from EMODnet and also from Eurostat, Copernicus Marine Service and more are offered together to communicate and engage society in coastal and ocean issues.

EMODnet resources for society:

• EMODnet Citizen Science use case (one example)
• Citizen Scientists rescue datasets for EMODnet (biology thematic)
• EMODnet for Citizen Science video
• EMODnet partnership with Scuba Schools International and German Ocena Foundation