Advancing Marine Biological Observations and Data Requirements of the Complementary Essential Ocean Variables (Eovs) and Essential Biodiversity Variables (Ebvs) Frameworks

Authors

Frank E. Muller-Karger, University of South FloridaFollow
Enrique Montes, University of South FloridaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Keywords

Essential biodiversity variables (EBV), Essential ocean variables (EOV), Global ocean observing system (GOOS), Integrated marine biosphere research (IMBeR), Marine biodiversity observation network (MBON), Marine global earth observatory (MarineGEO), Ocean biogeographic information system (OBIS)

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00211

Abstract

Measurements of the status and trends of key indicators for the ocean and marine life are required to inform policy and management in the context of growing human uses of marine resources, coastal development, and climate change. Two synergistic efforts identify specific priority variables for monitoring: Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) through the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) from the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) (see Data Sheet 1 in Supplementary Materials for a glossary of acronyms). Both systems support reporting against internationally agreed conventions and treaties. GOOS, established under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), plays a leading role in coordinating global monitoring of the ocean and in the definition of EOVs. GEO BON is a global biodiversity observation network that coordinates observations to enhance management of the world's biodiversity and promote both the awareness and accounting of ecosystem services. Convergence and agreement between these two efforts are required to streamline existing and new marine observation programs to advance scientific knowledge effectively and to support the sustainable use and management of ocean spaces and resources. In this context, the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), a thematic component of GEO BON, is collaborating with GOOS, the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), and the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR) project to ensure that EBVs and EOVs are complementary, representing alternative uses of a common set of scientific measurements. This work is informed by the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM), an intergovernmental body of technical experts that helps international coordination on best practices for observing, data management and services, combined with capacity development expertise. Characterizing biodiversity and understanding its drivers will require incorporation of observations from traditional and molecular taxonomy, animal tagging and tracking efforts, ocean biogeochemistry, and ocean observatory initiatives including the deep ocean and seafloor. The partnership between large-scale ocean observing and product distribution initiatives (MBON, OBIS, JCOMM, and GOOS) is an expedited, effective way to support international policy-level assessments (e.g., the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services or IPBES), along with the implementation of international development goals (e.g., the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals).

Comments

Complete list of authors: Patricia Miloslavich, Nicholas J. Bax, Samantha Simmons, Mark J. Costello, Isabel Sousa Pinto, Gabrielle Canonico, Woody Turner, Michael Gill, Benjamin D. Best, Jay Pearlman, Patrick Halpin, Daniel Dunn, Abigail Benson, Corinne S. Martin, Lauren C. Weatherdon, Ward Appeltans, Pieter Provoost, Eduardo Klein, Christopher R. Kelble, Robert J. Miller, Francisco P. Chavez, Katrin Iken, Sanae Chiba, David Obura, Laetitia M. Navarro, Henrique M. Pereira, Valerie Allain, Sonia Batten, Lisandro Benedetti-Checchi, J. Emmett Duffy, Raphael M. Kudela, Lisa-Maria Rebelo, Yunne Shin, Gary Geller

Rights Information

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Frontiers in Marine Science, v. 5, art. 211

Scholar Commons Citation

Muller-Karger, Frank E. and Montes, Enrique, "Advancing Marine Biological Observations and Data Requirements of the Complementary Essential Ocean Variables (Eovs) and Essential Biodiversity Variables (Ebvs) Frameworks" (2018). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 1005.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/1005