INFORMATION PRODUCTS

Information Products

One of the central objectives of OBAMA-NEXT is to transform cutting-edge marine biodiversity observations into practical, policy-relevant Information Products (IPs). These products integrate data from multiple sources (see here a detailed list of technologies) into outputs that can directly support biodiversity policy implementation through marine management and conservation decisions.

Co-design process with practitioners

The IPs are co-designed in collaboration with the Practitioners Advisory Board (PAB), which brings together policy makers, managers, and conservation practitioners from across Europe. This collaborative process ensures that each IP responds to practitioners’ needs and aligns with European policy frameworks, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the EU Nature Restoration Law.

The long-term purpose

The ultimate goal of OBAMA-NEXT’s IPs is to provide scientifically sound, policy-driven, actionable knowledge that bridges the gap between advanced marine biodiversity monitoring and effective ocean governance.

OBAMA-NEXT IPs

The project will continuously update this section as soon as more IPs are validated. Below please find a list of the ongoing IPs:

Species Distribution Models for Threatened Habitats and Species

High resolution spatial predictions on the occurrence of threatened species.
Technologies: Machine Learning, Statistical Modelling, In situ data collected by divers and drop-video
Relevant to Policies: Habitats Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, European Biodiversity Strategy, Global Biodiversity Framework
TRL level 9

Coastal Vegetation Mapping Using Remote Sensing

High-resolution drone-based mapping of coastal vegetation, including in situ ground truthing, model training, testing and validation.
Technologies: Satellites, Drones, Machine Learning, In situ data collection
Relevant to Policies: Habitats Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive, European Biodiversity Strategy, Global Biodiversity Framework, EU Nature Restoration Law
TRL level 6

Habitat Suitability Modelling of Marine Mammals

Maps of habitat suitability and use for these marine mammal species can show how ecosystems respond to environmental change and the effectiveness of conservation actions.
Technologies: Telemetry, Earth Observation data (Copernicus)
Relevant to Policies: Habitats Directive, EU Nature Restoration Law, Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, Helsinki Convention
TRL level 6

High-Resolution Predictive Maps of Processes Underlying Fish Reproduction

The model integrates different types of fisheries and survey data and returns estimates of how different processes underlying animal’s reproduction cycle are affected by environmental conditions at a local scale, as well as predictive maps of animal and underlying reproduction processes distribution along the area of interest. The model applies to the Baltic whitefish.
Technologies: Statistical Modelling
Relevant to Policies: Conservation and natural resources management
TRL level 5

Detecting and Quantifying Macroplastic on Beaches using Drones and AI

This IP describes how drones equipped with advanced sensors can be used to detect macroplastics on beaches. Artificial Intelligence is used to quantify the amount of litter, for instance before and after a beach clean-up event. The SeaBee drone infrastructure has done proof-of-concept studies on this, which still remains to be included in monitoring.
Technologies: Drones and Artificial Intelligence
Relevant to Policies: Barcelona Convention on Marine Litter
TRL level 6

Grant Agreement 101081642 – OBAMA-NEXT

OBAMA-NEXT project has been approved under HORIZON-CL6-2022-BIODIV-01-01: Observing and mapping biodiversity and ecosystems, with particular focus on coastal and marine ecosystems.Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or UK Research and Innovation. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.