The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Biology and Ecosystems Panel is launching an open consultation to seek expert input on the draft specification sheets for its Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables. We invite ocean biology and ecosystem research community to contribute to this important review process.
What are Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)?
EOVs are a minimum set of key variables identified by the GOOS community that are critical to understanding ocean change and guiding policy. They provide a common focus for observing system design and coordination.
The GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Expert Panel has identified a set of Biology and Ecosystems (BioEco) EOVs using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework, combined with feasibility and impact assessments. These BioEco EOVs represent the core biology and ecosystems observations needed to inform our understanding of ocean health and to provide baselines against which the impacts of human pressures and climate change can be measured and reported.
There are currently 12 BioEco EOVs recognized by GOOS, from phytoplankton and marine microbes to seabirds and marine mammals. Each of them is described in a specification sheet that outlines its scientific relevance, observational requirements, and methodological guidance to support standardized, interoperable, and policy-relevant data collection. The information contained within the specification sheets is focused on basic observations that can be applicable globally.
Why your input matters
The specification sheets for the BioEco EOVs are currently being updated to reflect scientific advances and evolving global priorities. Your feedback will help refine the definitions, clarify methodological recommendations, and ensure the specifications are both scientifically robust and practically useful.
Each survey focuses on one BioEco EOV and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Surveys must be completed by 10 August 2025. Please select the survey for the EOV relevant to your expertise below.
Access the surveys
- Coral cover and composition
- Seagrass cover and composition
- Macroalgae canopy cover and composition
- Mangrove cover and composition
- Microbe biomass and diversity
- Phytoplankton biomass and diversity
- Zooplankton biomass and diversity
- Benthic invertebrates abundance and distribution
- Fish abundance and distribution
- Sea turtles abundance and distribution
- Seabirds abundance and distribution
- Marine mammals abundance and distribution
- Ocean sound
Closing date: 10 August 2025
Learn more
If you have questions about the consultation process, or would like to include your name and institutional affilliation as part of your survey response, please contact goosbioeco@gmail.com
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About GOOS:
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is the global home of ocean observing expertise and systematic coordination. We lead and support a community of international, regional and national ocean observing programmes, governments, UN agencies, research organizations and individual scientists. Our Core Team of expert panels, observing networks, alliances and projects, supported by the GOOS Office, is in touch with ocean observing and forecasting around the world. We are a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC).