5 May 2026
OGS warmly thanks all attendees who participated in the invitation-only training course organised by the National Oceanographic Data Centre at OGS within the framework of the EU-funded project "European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)", the data access gateway to European marine in-situ data.
The training session focused on "EMODnet Chemistry", the EMODnet component that, since 2009, has collected and validated data on eutrophication, ocean acidification, and contaminants, including marine litter. The partnership manages the heterogeneity, complexity, quality, and large volume of measurements, then generates and publishes standardised, harmonised, and quality-controlled data collections and reliable derived data products. These are relevant for implementing European Union marine policies such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Directive, and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive. The current EMODnet Chemistry phase runs from 3 October 2025 to 2 October 2027; if renewed, the final end date is 30 June 2029. EMODnet Chemistry brings together a core group of 14 partners and 27 subcontractors from 31 countries bordering the European seas, mostly national marine monitoring agencies and major marine research institutes, complemented by experts in information technology and marine data management. OGS has been confirmed as Project Coordinator and the Marine Information Service (MARIS, Netherlands) as Technical Coordinator. One international organisation is also involved: the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The Consortium is also supported by the expertise of the Regional Sea Conventions: OSPAR, HELCOM, BSC, and UNEP/MAP.
In its second edition, the training course aimed to explain how to manage all types of data to organisations with contractual obligations to provide data to EMODnet Chemistry. The event, held on 28 and 29 April, registered 55 participants from 25 countries. The majority (43) attended the course in Trieste at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics. The partnership was pleased to welcome a colleague from Ukraine, who could not attend in person in 2024 for security reasons. The first day was led by OGS and six other key project partners from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. It was dedicated to theoretical information on EMODnet Chemistry procedures, standards, and software, with a guided hands-on activity. The second day focused on issues related to data population and data quality for each European sea region, and on assisting data providers experiencing difficulties in these areas. It was led by OGS, MARIS, and the regional coordinators (RCs) from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Greece, France, and Romania. The RCs are responsible for producing aggregated, harmonised, and validated data collections in collaboration with the data providers.
Alessandra Giorgetti, manager of the NODC at OGS and scientific coordinator of EMODnet Chemistry
“EMODnet Chemistry relies on the SeaDataNet infrastructure, using its established standards, services, and tools to ensure high-quality marine data management across Europe. As dedicated support for SeaDataNet becomes more limited, initiatives such as these training courses are essential. Hands-on engagement with SeaDataNet tools, involving both new staff and experienced data stewards, directly strengthens data quality, increases harmonisation, and enhances the operational readiness of data centres supplying data to EMODnet Chemistry.”
EMODnet Chemistry is currently developing an online version of the training course for a wider audience of data providers. For further information, please stay tuned.
