Growing pressures from human activities (e.g., pollution, habitat alteration, and climate change) threaten marine ecosystems, highlighting the need for conservation and sustainable use in line with UN 2030 Agenda Goal 14. In response, the UN launched the “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” to promote regional priorities within a global framework. Given the ocean’s dynamic, sensitive, and fragile nature, innovative observing and monitoring methods are essential to enhance spatio-temporal data coverage and quality, enabling integrated analysis of abiotic and biotic factors and the study of marine processes to better manage the effects of anthropogenic pressures.
To assess ocean environmental quality, large datasets from global observing systems and networks (e.g., GOOS, EMODnet) are needed. These need to be complemented by the development of cost-effective technologies and integrated monitoring systems, which can enhance long-term data collection, expand geographical coverage, support the study of physical and biological marine processes, and enable continuous ecosystem monitoring. In this context, Citizen Science initiatives also represent an effective means to broaden observations, raise awareness, and connect society with marine research.
This session focuses on marine ecosystems and processes, observational and monitoring technologies, and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts. Special attention will be given to the design and application of innovative, cost-effective, low-cost and do-it-yourself technologies as well as integrated monitoring approaches. Multidisciplinary contributions are encouraged, combining models, in-situ and remote monitoring, and citizen science to develop methods, technologies, and best practices for biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Topics include the effects of natural and anthropogenic pollution on biota; impacts of global change on marine ecosystems; new approaches for marine environmental monitoring, marine resources and process studies; cost-effective technologies development; marine citizen science applications; advanced methods for data collection and processing; benthic and pelagic community dynamics; and the economic evaluation of natural capital.