The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is conducting a consultation on the Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables (BioEco EOVs) and their associated specification sheets.
They are seeking input from the fish research community and other relevant stakeholders on the content of the draft specification sheets. This is an opportunity for the community to contribute to the ongoing refinement of this critical tool, helping to ensure it meets the needs of researchers, observers, and decision-makers alike. A survey has been created to gather input and can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk1x0WKrwtPbHT0vNlACl8-wvzUqaNZ2rN-XlaH_cjIhBGaQ/viewform?usp=header
Participants are encouraged to allow approximately 30 minutes to complete the survey. Many questions are optional, but respondents are encouraged to provide as many responses as possible to help ensure the specifications sheets meet the community’s needs. The survey is anonymous; however, those wishing to share their name and affiliation may contact GOOS at goosbioeco@gmail.com.
Guided by the Framework for Ocean Observing, GOOS applies a systems-design approach to help ocean observing communities define requirements for an integrated, fit-for-purpose, sustained global ocean observing system. This approach emphasizes a minimum set of key variables—Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)—aimed at moving beyond individual observing systems, platforms, programs, or regions toward a globally connected and coordinated system. EOVs serve as a foundation for guiding investments in observing infrastructure and fostering coordination across ocean observing efforts. They enable the collection of globally comparable data and information that support a wide range of applications, including reporting against multilateral environmental agreements, informing policy and management decisions, and advancing scientific understanding.
The GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Expert Panel has identified a set of BioEco EOVs using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework, combined with feasibility and impact assessments. These BioEco EOVs represent core biology and ecosystems observations necessary to understand ocean health and establish baselines for assessing the impacts of human pressures and climate change. To date, 12 BioEco EOVs have been recognized by GOOS, with Fish abundance and distribution being one of these EOVs. A detailed draft specification sheet has been developed for this EOV to serve as a practical guide for contributing relevant fish observations to the global system. It describes key phenomena and processes, outlines essential measurements, and defines the spatial and temporal scales and observing approaches needed for effective monitoring. The Fish abundance and distribution V2.0 specification sheet can be found here. The information is intentionally focused on basic observations applicable globally, regardless of local capacity or capabilities. It does not provide guidance on fishery data collection, which falls under the purview of the FAO and national agencies.
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About GOOS:
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is the global hub for ocean observing expertise and systematic coordination. It leads and supports a community of international, regional, and national ocean observing programs, governments, UN agencies, research organizations, and individual scientists. Its Core Team of expert panels, observing networks, alliances, and projects, supported by the GOOS Office, maintains connections with ocean observing and forecasting efforts worldwide. GOOS is a program led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, with UN and scientific co-sponsors including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC).
