MARCO‑BOLO Work Package 6 (WP6) Task 6.3 knowledge transfer builds on Tasks 6.1 and 6.2, which set up a Community of Practice of external stakeholders and conducted co-design workshops to have a closer dialogue with relevant stakeholders to optimise project outputs. Concretely, Task 6.3 (specifically subtask 6.3.2) developed a series of Knowledge Transfer (KT) resources designed to translate key project outputs (e.g., Deliverables) into clear, practical resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
The specific topics for knowledge transfer activities were decided upon through a project partner survey and feedback from the community of practice. Knowledge Transfer resources were then planned for three MARCO-BOLO areas of work, namely Marine Biodiversity Data Management (WP1), Integrated Marine Biodiversity Observations (WP4) and Blue Carbon (Seagrass) (WP5). The KT resources were co-created with MARCO-BOLO scientific and technical experts from the respective WPs, drawing upon relevant project Deliverables. KT resources were also informed by stakeholder input gathered through co-design workshops, Core Community of Practice meetings and external events (e.g., BioMonWeek 2026).
Knowledge Transfer Asset 1
Advancing Integrated Marine & Coastal Biodiversity Observations for the European Ocean Pact
This Knowledge Transfer asset was developed as a four-panel brochure, available both in print and digital formats, to communicate the outcomes of MARCO-BOLO WP4 on biodiversity mapping using autonomous systems. It highlights the role of innovative in situ observing technologies in strengthening marine and coastal biodiversity monitoring and demonstrates the value of investing in ocean observation capabilities.
The brochure responds to growing policy and market demand for biodiversity observations, reflecting their increasing importance for European ocean governance, environmental monitoring, and the Blue Economy. It showcases the sensor technologies and observing platforms tested during MARCO-BOLO field trials, with direct input from the respective partner organisations and experts involved. The KT resource complements Deliverable 4.1 and was designed to be as accessible as possible, intended for marine and maritime professionals who may have little or no prior knowledge of marine and coastal biodiversity observations and related sensors, platforms and technology. In addition, an accompanying sensor specification sheet which provides detailed technical information on platform capabilities, operational conditions, and sensor performance was developed for more technical users and made available below.
Designed as a highly visual and accessible resource, the brochure aims to support knowledge transfer between researchers, policymakers, marine data infrastructures, and industry. It promotes the advancement of biodiversity data collection, integration, and management, contributing to initiatives such as EMODnet, OBIS, the European Ocean Pact, and OceanEye, while highlighting opportunities for innovation and private-sector engagement in marine observation.
The detailed sensor specification sheet covers the technologies and platforms tested during the project field trials. The document provides technical information on each sensor, including operational depth and conditions, battery life, dimensions, payload capacities and key functionalities. Explore the specification sheet to learn more about the capabilities of the sensors and integrated observing approaches tested in MARCO-BOLO.
Knowledge Transfer Asset 2
Maximising Digital Legacy in Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Projects
Empowering a data-literate (marine/coastal) biodiversity observation and data community and long-lasting EU contribution to the global ocean data ecosystem through guidelines and capacity building.
To promote the adoption of robust Data Management Plans (DMPs) and strengthen long-term data stewardship, MARCO-BOLO WP6 worked with WP1 experts to communicate how the project has advanced marine biodiversity data management, interoperability and digital legacy.
The resulting KT resource includes two components, namely, a Data Readiness Level (DRL) Self-Assessment Checklist (above) and a marine biodiversity and coastal data management presentation (below) that provides key information supporting the checklist, in the context of wider marine biodiversity data and information management, set in the European and global ocean data landscape.
The presentation is intended as a resource that can be adapted and tailored according to the audience, for example European ocean research and innovation project Coordinators and partners, European Commission and wider EU agencies e.g., project policy officers.
The DRL Self-Assessment Checklist is a guide to assist in the development of a robust DMP also to advise data management leads and all project partners dealing with data on how to maximise the digital legacy of their (meta)data. Structured around four sequential phases and nine DRLs, it provides a step-by-step approach for evaluating current progress, identifying gaps, and implementing actions to improve data management throughout the project lifecycle. By supporting the systematic development of DMPs and more transparent data workflows, the checklist helps maximise the long-term discoverability, accessibility, reuse, and impact of project data and metadata, ensuring that valuable biodiversity information remains available and usable long after a project has ended.
The DRL Self-Assessment Checklist and Presentation above complements MARCO-BOLO project Deliverables D1.1, D 1.2 and D1.3 by providing a practical resource that supports capacity building and contributes to a more data-literate marine and coastal biodiversity community, while strengthening Europe’s contribution to the global ocean data ecosystem.
Knowledge Transfer Asset 3
Advancing Tools to Predict Seagrass Blue Carbon Stocks
This Knowledge Transfer asset was developed as a two-pager infographic in collaboration with MARCO-BOLO WP5 to communicate project advances in mapping blue carbon stocks across European seagrass meadows. The infographic-meets-factsheet showcases how satellite observations, oceanographic data products and in situ measurements can be combined to improve estimates of sediment organic carbon stored in seagrass, helping address critical data gaps in marine carbon accounting.
The KT asset explains the challenges of estimating seagrass carbon stocks, highlights the integrated modelling approach developed by MARCO-BOLO WP5, and demonstrates the project’s Virtual Research Environment (VRE), a proof-of-concept interface that enables users to generate carbon stock estimates across European coastal areas without needing technical expertise.
Designed for policymakers, environmental managers and the wider marine community, the KT asset infographic translates complex scientific methods into accessible and actionable messages. It highlights the relevance of blue carbon mapping for European initiatives such as the European Ocean Pact, the Nature Restoration Law and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, while identifying future priorities, including expanded in situ sampling, improved monitoring standards, and further integration with emerging digital ocean platforms.