The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has identified 12 Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables (BioEco EOVs) to support sustained, coordinated observations that address key questions on ocean health, biodiversity, and ecosystem change. This webinar will highlight the coordinating and unifying leadership of the GOOS panels and how the resulting EOV framework can help the broader ocean observing communities define the requirements for an integrated, fit-for-purpose, sustained global ocean observing system. We will explore how the BioEco EOV framework can help move the focus beyond individual observing systems, platforms or programs toward a globally connected and coordinated system, bridging scientific, policy, and societal needs. Central to this effort is the application of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and open data principles, which are critical for enhancing data sharing, interoperability, and long-term usability across regions and disciplines. We will discuss the challenges and progress in operationalising FAIR data practices within the ocean BioEco observing community, and the importance of partnerships, standards, and the services provided by long-term global digital infrastructures such as the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of IOC-UNESCO. 

10 July, 2025 23h - 24h UTC registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-wUGCfl7TmCQAupH-3w59g#/registration

11 July, 2025 13h - 14h UTC registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fgmDGfl4SzKTavAwsDIurg#/registration