From July to December 2025, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) organised a dedicated webinar series focusing on Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables (BioEco EOVs). The series was developed in collaboration with the EU‑funded BioEcoOcean project, the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) and the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR Centre).
BioEco EOVs represent the minimum set of biological and ecological variables needed to assess ocean state and biodiversity using coordinated and standardised observations. They are a core element of global efforts to improve biodiversity monitoring, ecological forecasting, and science‑based decision‑making.
The webinar series brought together international experts to share knowledge and discuss innovative approaches to marine biodiversity observation. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of coordinated data collection and harmonised data management, enabling observations to be compared across regions and over time.
The sessions introduced the GOOS Biology and Ecosystems EOV framework and explored how BioEco EOVs support biodiversity monitoring and environmental assessments at multiple scales. The webinars were hosted by Marine Biodiversity Networking Fridays between July and December 2025.
Webinar topics
Topics covered in the series included a wide range of BioEco EOVs, such as:
- Seagrass, macroalgae and mangrove cover and composition
- Coral cover and composition
- Phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass and diversity
- Microbe biomass and diversity
- Benthic invertebrates, fish, sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals abundance and distribution
- Ocean sound as an indicator of marine ecosystems
Introductory sessions also addressed data management aspects related to BioEco EOVs.
Recordings of all webinars are available on the GOOS website:
https://goosocean.org/webinars/webinar-series-biology-and-ecosystems-essential-ocean-variables/