Halfway through the UN Decade of Ocean Science, Europe sets a new standard for collecting and sharing marine data. NGU contributes vital information to the digital project EMODnet.
The EU-funded portal EMODnet provides data on bathymetry, geology, biology, chemistry, physics, seabed habitats and human activities like aquaculture and fishing. No other region in the world offers such a comprehensive database for its marine areas.
"In Europe, we have harmonized data from our marine areas, which benefits management, industry, and sustainable development," says Henry Vallius, senior researcher at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), and former coordinator of EMODnet’s Geology Group.
In contrast, the United States operates with three different data formats for its marine areas: the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific.
Significant value
Marine data from seven thematic areas are freely available to everyone via the EMODnet online portal, and one user group has grown significantly in recent years.
"Previously, our largest user group was in the research and education sector, but offshore energy actors are now among the main users. The data has gained more commercial value, which is also a key goal for the EU," Vallius explains.
Extensive mapping
Since 2009, 120 organizations and countries have participated in the extensive collection of data from Europe’s coastal and marine areas.
"Marine regions are interconnected, but their data often are not. Collecting and harmonizing data allows us to create better scenario-based plans for sustainable management of marine areas," explains Anu Kaskela, a researcher at GTK who recently became the new coordinator of EMODnet’s Geology Group.
Translating national data into a pan-European standard requires effective platforms for discussion and exchange. Representatives from 22 countries recently gathered in Trondheim to discuss the next data delivery.
"The challenge is that each country follows its national standards, which do not always align with a common European format that is easy for users to understand. That’s why we have expert groups ensuring the data are compatible and user-friendly," says Kaskela.
Norway – A key contributor
Norway was among the initiators of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. This initiative aims to achieve sustainability goals by stimulating and coordinating research efforts nationally and globally. NGU, participating under the EMODnet Geology theme, is one of several Norwegian agencies and organizations contributing marine data to EMODnet.
"NGU contributes to EMODnet Geology by providing harmonized data to the central database. The data we supply comes from the NGU database, such as information about seabed sediments and landforms," explains Reidulv Bøe, head of the Marine Geology Department at NGU.
Collaboration with European colleagues is crucial for NGU.
"It is precious to see how sister organizations in other countries work and to exchange experiences. We also see that the data we deliver is being used. For example, the seabed sediment data we provide is used by EMODnet Seabed Habitats to model habitats," concludes Bøe.