Advancing the Conservation of Ocean Biodiversity through Copernicus Marine Service Evolution

<strong>The New Copernicus Capability for Tropic Ocean Networks project (<a href="~/" target="_blank">NECCTON</a>) aims to expand the Copernicus Marine Service product catalogue by delivering new and improved biogeochemical products, by means of new models of higher trophic levels, the benthic habitat, and of marine pollution. Launched in January 2023, the project received funding under a&nbsp;<a href="https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101081273" target="_blank">Horizon Europe Call for the evolution of the Copernicus Marine Service</a>&nbsp;and will run until December 2026.&nbsp;</strong><br />
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Article by <a href="https://marine.copernicus.eu/news/advancing-conservation-ocean-biodiversity-through-copernicus-marine-service-evolution" target="_blank">Copernicus Marine</a><br />
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Ocean biodiversity is essential for the health and well-being of our planet. The ocean, and its rich diversity in habitats, organisms, species, and ecosystems, supports many industries and is vital for food, oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. As the ocean covers the majority of the Earth&rsquo;s surface,&nbsp; biodiversity is essential to the global system, and disruptions to the ocean ecosystem can have far-reaching impacts. While the ocean&rsquo;s diversity makes it resilient to a wide range of environmental pressures, changes in the climate, as well as the ongoing rise in sea temperatures and ocean acidification, present great threats to the ocean. In addition, rising levels of marine pollution also negatively impact marine life and even the sustainability of fisheries.<br />
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On 21 February 2023, the European Commission adopted a new&nbsp;<a href="https://alsospaceconsuilting.sharepoint.com/sites/ArchiveALSOSpace/Projects/MOi%20-%20CMEMS%20Social%20Media/3%20-%20Project%20work/02%20-%20Articles/9%20-%20NECCTON/Communication%20from%20the%20Commission:%20EU%20Action%20Plan:%20Protecting%20and%20restoring%20marine%20ecosystems%20for%20sustainable%20and%20resilient%20fisheries%20(europa.eu)" target="_blank">Action Plan on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries</a>. Similarly, the&nbsp;<a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en" target="_blank">EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en" target="_blank">EU Mission &ldquo;Restore our Ocean and Waters&rdquo;</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters/european-digital-twin-ocean-european-dto_en" target="_blank">European Digital Twin of the Ocean</a>&nbsp;initiative highlight the importance of understanding, protecting and restoring the health of our ocean and waters through investments, and research and innovation. This push to preserve and protect marine areas was affirmed by the United Nations, which adopted the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/177/28/PDF/N2317728.pdf?OpenElement" target="_blank">High Seas Treaty on 19 June 2023</a>, which aims to protect marine biodiversity, and enable the sustainable use of marine areas.<br />
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<a href="https://marine.copernicus.eu/news/advancing-conservation-ocean-biodiversity-through-copernicus-marine-service-evolution" target="_blank">Read full article on Copernicus Marine website</a>