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DTO-BioFlow is actively contributing to the Marine Biodiversity Monitoring initiative, launched by the European Commission at the initiative of the Joint Research Centre. On November 6-7, 2024,(Sitges, Spain) DTO-BioFlow participated in the second EU Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop, represented by key project partners such as ICES, CIIMAR and the Marine Biological Association (MBA). This follows DTO-BioFlow's involvement in last year's workshop in June, which focused on identifying gaps and challenges in monitoring methodologies and current data pathways.
The Marine Biodiversity Monitoring
The Marine Biodiversity Monitoring activity, led by the JRC, aims to improve the collection, integration, and accessibility of marine biodiversity data across Europe. The initiative focuses on developing standardised monitoring frameworks to assess the health of marine ecosystems, supporting the EU's environmental policies, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The project brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and industry experts, to establish robust and harmonised systems that will better inform decision-making and promote the sustainable management of marine resources. The goal is to create a comprehensive and integrated approach to monitor marine biodiversity, addressing critical gaps in data, and ensuring the resilience of marine ecosystems in the face of climate change and human activity.
DTO-Bioflow participation to the initiative
During the recent workshop, DTO-BioFlow's contribution was drawn from Work Package 2 (WP2) led by ICES, which focuses on providing an overview of biodiversity monitoring frameworks. WP2 is currently working towards the creation of an inventory of inaccessible data sources, examining the consequences of missing or inaccessible data, and developing a playbook outlining solutions to overcome data access and availability barriers. These efforts are essential in advancing the JRC's integrated monitoring systems, critical for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems in the face of global environmental challenges.
This is an example of how DTO-BioFlow’s expertise is important to the development of innovative approaches for monitoring marine biodiversity, contributing to a comprehensive and sustainable management framework aimed at preserving the health of marine environments across Europe.
