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Use cases

State of knowledge on marine connectivity gathered by migratory marine species
State of knowledge on marine connectivity gathered by migratory marine species

Advancements in technology have improved our knowledge of how different areas of the ocean are connected by the movement of migratory and mobile marine species. This information is vital to inform area-based management and conservation efforts. The authors of this ...

Invasive marine algae in the Mediterranean was misidentified for decades
Invasive marine algae in the Mediterranean was misidentified for decades

The red algae, "Lophocladia lallemandii", one of the worst invasive species in the Mediterranean, was misidentified for nearly three decades. The researchers who discovered this error recommend genetic analysis as a mandatory first step when identifying, monitoring and managing invasives. ...

Preserving seagrasses in a changing climate
Preserving seagrasses in a changing climate

This study provides the first comprehensive global assessment of how climate change may affect the distribution and range of 66 seagrass species. It also examines how well the current global MPA coverage will protect these important ecosystems in the future. ...

Invasive marine algae in the Mediterranean was misidentified for decades
Invasive marine algae in the Mediterranean was misidentified for decades

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Metabarcoding is a promising tool for identifying species of fish from their eggs and larvae
Metabarcoding is a promising tool for identifying species of fish from their eggs and larvae

Understanding the diversity and distribution of fish egg and larvae in the ocean provides invaluable information on ecosystem health, capacity to recover from disturbances and helps guide management and conservation efforts. This study shows that metabarcoding is a promising tool ...

How many species live in the world’s largest marine mineral exploration region?
How many species live in the world’s largest marine mineral exploration region?

This study offers the first comprehensive synthesis of published data for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the central and eastern Pacific. The authors report that this area, which covers 6 million km2, represents significant undescribed biodiversity with an estimated 88%–92% ...

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OBIS in numbers

165M
species observations
201K
marine species
7043
datasets
37
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26M
DNA sequences
6K
scientists & data managers
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