Marine biodiversity: Protect Europe’s oceans with open data and innovation
Explore how EU open data supports marine ecosystems and innovation across the blue economy
Europe’s seas are home to a wide variety of species and ecosystems, essential to both environmental health and economic prosperity. Protecting this marine biodiversity is a core ambition of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Ocean Pact, which recognise the critical role healthy oceans play in climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development. Open data is key to understanding and managing these ecosystems effectively - connecting science, policy, and innovation.
At the EU Open Data Days 2025, a dedicated session highlighted how pan-European marine data services support this mission. Kate Larkin, Head of Secretariat at the European Marine Observation and Data Network, showcased how high-value marine datasets—made accessible through platforms aligned with FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles—are powering smarter decisions in areas like maritime spatial planning, offshore wind development, and the European Digital Twin Ocean. These examples demonstrate how open marine data is already enabling cross-sector collaboration to address environmental challenges at sea.
The importance of Europe’s seas and their sustainable management was also in the spotlight at European Maritime Day 2025, held from 21 to 23 May in Cork, Ireland, where stakeholders from across the maritime community came together to exchange ideas and explore the future of maritime affairs in Europe. Last Friday, we also hosted a data.europa academy webinar about the potential of open marine data.
By making marine biodiversity data more accessible, the EU is creating new opportunities for research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. Whether used to monitor pollution, map seabed habitats, or plan sustainable marine infrastructure, open data is essential to building resilient, future-proof ocean ecosystems. New stories about biodiversity and data are on the horizon—stay curious for what’s next.
For more news and events, follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also connect with other users through our collaboration channel.