WP1 has developed templates, guidance, and pathways to ensure the data, information, and digital knowledge outputs of MARCO-BOLO are aligned with the FAIR principles as implemented by key data systems, the UN infrastructures (OBIS, ODIS and Ocean Info Hub) relaying essential variable data to their intended consumers. The approaches developed in MARCO-BOLO are being made available to be readily implemented by other projects.
WP2 – The main output so far has been deliverable 2.1 which specifically addresses the validation of eDNA-based approaches by meta-analysing eDNA and traditional approaches, with the aim to demonstrate the validity and usefulness of eDNA in a monitoring capacity. A table of EBVs and EOVs has been designed for members of task 2.1 to update with the suitability of eDNA-based methods.
WP3, "Linking Land and Sea Biodiversity Observations," has made progress in all its tasks. The main objective of this work package is to enhance understanding of the direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss along a land-to-sea continuum. The other tasks have also progressed towards completing their objectives, focusing on preparing data templates and beginning data collection for various case studies.
WP4: In the first report period (M18) WP4 has developed on-board data processing and/or geolocation capabilities to all 5 genomics, imaging and acoustics technologies prioritised as part of this work package, and submitted the related Deliverable 4.1. Three publications have been submitted, including one describing the incorporation of machine learning using satellite data in combination with a photosynthetic gene marker, towards large-scale collection of EBV data has.
WP5 Modelling & mapping coastal and marine biodiversity has progressed work in all of its diverse modelling tasks. Marine biodiversity time series data have been compiled from a variety of public databases, with a data call launched to obtain additional data, all sources currently being processed for analysis. A Non-Indigenous Invasive species detection workflow has been implemented using genetic data from the ARMS-MBON observatory, with a data paper that has already been submitted.
WP6 has progressed with its main objective to ensure that project outcomes are stakeholder and user driven, with a main focus on EU marine and freshwater biodiversity policies implementation requirements. A Community of Practice (CoP) was established during the early stages of the project so members can provide advice and steer overall stakeholder engagement. A large-scale online stakeholder profiling survey was also carried out, with more than 500 respondents.
In WP7, The coordination team efforts were predominantly focused on the project initiation tasks in M1-M6 with the setting up of the Project Management Guide (D7.1 delivered M3) and the Project Data Management Plan (D7.2 delivered M6). A Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities (PDEC ) was developed, as well as the project logo, communication templates (e.g. PPT and poster), factsheet, videos and infographics, social media channels and website. Furthermore, WP7 has initiated collaborations with relevant , including OBAMA-Next, DiverSea, BioEcoOcean, and BlueRemediomics.