OCEAN-BIO OBSERVE: Integrating Marine Biodiversity, Underwater Surveys and Molecular Monitoring into Global Ocean Observing Systems

OCEAN-BIO OBSERVE proposes to strengthen the biological component of ocean observing systems by integrating marine biodiversity surveys, underwater observations, invertebrate taxonomy and molecular methods into coordinated ocean monitoring.

The initiative focuses on marine benthic communities, invertebrate diversity and ecological responses to climate change and other environmental pressures. It aims to improve the consistency, accessibility and practical use of biodiversity observations within the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and European marine data infrastructures.

Drawing on expertise in marine field research, underwater surveys, marine invertebrate taxonomy, molecular genetics and ecological monitoring, our research team proposes to contribute to six interconnected activities.

1. Marine biodiversity surveys and underwater observations

Conducting and standardising field-based and underwater surveys of marine habitats, benthic communities and invertebrate biodiversity.

Combining biological sampling, underwater observations and habitat assessments to generate comparable data on species composition, community structure and ecosystem condition.

2. Molecular identification and biodiversity monitoring

Applying DNA barcoding and other molecular approaches to improve species identification, detect biodiversity changes and support the development of reliable marine biodiversity datasets.

Contributing taxonomically verified reference materials and molecular identification protocols for marine invertebrates. Where appropriate, evaluating metabarcoding and environmental DNA approaches with consortium partners.

3. Marine biodiversity indicators and ecosystem assessment

Developing and evaluating biological indicators based on marine invertebrate diversity, benthic community composition and habitat condition.

Linking biodiversity observations with physical and biogeochemical oceanographic parameters to assess ecosystem responses to environmental change and support marine conservation.

4. Integration of biodiversity and oceanographic data

Supporting the integration of taxonomic, molecular, ecological and spatial datasets with ocean observing platforms and European marine information systems.

Contributing to standardised data formats, metadata, quality assurance and interoperable data workflows consistent with FAIR principles and relevant GOOS practices.

5. Validation of integrated observation methods

Working with oceanographic institutions and technology partners to test biological monitoring protocols alongside established observation platforms and underwater survey technologies.

Assessing data quality, reproducibility, operational feasibility and the potential for repeated biodiversity observations across marine regions.

6. Spatial analysis and marine conservation applications

Applying GIS-based habitat mapping and spatial analysis to identify biodiversity patterns, environmentally sensitive habitats and areas undergoing ecological change.

Supporting the use of integrated biological and oceanographic observations for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience assessments and marine spatial planning.

Expected Contribution to the Consortium

Our research team can contribute expertise in marine fieldwork, underwater observations, benthic ecology, marine invertebrate taxonomy, molecular species identification, DNA barcoding, ecological monitoring and GIS-based spatial analysis.

Potential outputs include standardised biodiversity survey protocols, taxonomically verified datasets, molecular identification resources, benthic biodiversity indicators, habitat maps and integrated ecological observations.

We are particularly interested in work packages addressing marine biodiversity observations, benthic ecosystem monitoring, molecular identification, biological data harmonisation and validation of integrated monitoring approaches.

Proposed Role in the Consortium

Scientific partner for marine biodiversity observation, underwater and benthic surveys, invertebrate taxonomy, molecular identification, biodiversity indicators and integration of biological data into ocean observing systems.

Our team can collaborate with oceanographic institutions, technology developers and data infrastructure partners to strengthen the biological information provided by GOOS-compatible monitoring systems.

OCEAN-BIO OBSERVE aims to make marine biodiversity observations more reliable, comparable and accessible, supporting ocean ecosystem assessment, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.