
Marine biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and human well-being, but knowledge gaps
in spatial biodiversity data hinder effective conservation strategies. The Marine Strategy
Framework Directive (MSFD) emphasizes the need for tools that provide reliable, high-resolution
biodiversity information, yet much of the available data is either unevenly distributed or absent in
key areas.
This use case aims to model the spatial scaling of the biodiversity-productivity relationship using
open datasets and extensive in-situ biodiversity data. By linking net primary productivity from satellite
data (CBPM2 dataset) to biodiversity observations ( BioTIME database ), and incorporating auxiliary datasets like bathymetry and distance from the coast, the project will generate high-resolution potential biodiversity maps.
What is the challenge?
One of the main challenges in marine biodiversity research is the uneven availability of biological
data across regions. While some areas are well-studied, others—particularly coastal regions—lack
sufficient biological information. This knowledge gap hampers efforts to model biodiversity
distribution, assess ecosystem health, and design effective conservation strategies. Furthermore,
linking biodiversity to key ecosystem processes, such as primary productivity, is complicated by
the spatial and temporal variability of both biodiversity and productivity data.
Our solution
We propose a novel approach to model the spatial scaling of the productivity-biodiversity
relationship using open and in-situ data. By combining:
• Open datasets, such as bathymetry, distance from the coast, and proximity to rivers,
• Extensive biodiversity databases, like BioTIME,
• Primary productivity data from satellites, such as the CBPM2 dataset,
we aim to build robust models to estimate potential biodiversity in areas lacking biological
observations. This will enable scenario building and spatial predictions of biodiversity on national
and European scales, focusing on coastal areas under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
(MSFD).
Who will benefit?
This work will benefit a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Policymakers: By providing data-driven insights for biodiversity conservation and compliance with the MSFD.
- Scientists and researchers: Through improved tools for modeling biodiversity and understanding ecosystem processes.
- Coastal managers: With better estimates of biodiversity distribution to guide sustainable
resource management. - Local communities: By helping preserve the ecosystems that support fisheries, tourism,
and coastal livelihoods.
By bridging data gaps and advancing biodiversity modeling, this approach will contribute to a more
comprehensive understanding and management of marine ecosystems.
Scope
Target Partner Organizations
OEMC Leading Partner
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Type of output
Biodiversity and Productivity related variables (marine), Scenario outcome maps; tools and/or software for scenario design and modelling.
Technology readiness level
TRL 3-4: The system is in the early stages of development with demonstrated components and is being further validated in relevant environments.
Location
Europe