Innovation in Marine Biodiversity Monitoring: a collaborative effort between Horizon Europe Projects
Highlighting the continued advancement in marine biodiversity monitoring, the recently published paper by Borja et al. (2024) in the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment journal, represents the collaborative efforts between OBAMA-NEXT, GES4SEAS, and three other Horizon Europe projects. This pivotal research, an outcome of 2023 AZTI Summer School, signifies a major leap in our understanding and ability to monitor and assess the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems.
This paper emerges from the collective work of OBAMA-NEXT, GES4SEAS, BIOcean5D, ACT-NOW, and MARBEFES projects, uniting with over 50 Summer School attendees to delve into critical topics such as the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), drones, imaging, artificial intelligence, climate modelling, and spatial planning. These tools are crucial for effectively monitoring the vast and dynamic marine environments and are set to revolutionize the way marine biodiversity is managed and conserved.
The Summer School served as a breeding ground for cross-project collaboration, allowing over 50 attendees to delve into novel methods that not only advance scientific understanding but also support policymakers and marine managers in making informed decisions. These discussions are vital for the sustainable management of our coasts and seas, aligning with European efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health.
To learn more about these groundbreaking methodologies and their applications in marine biodiversity monitoring, read the full paper here.
