Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026

Endorsed under the UN Decade of Ocean Science, OBON is building a global framework to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA), RNA, and other biomarkers into routine ocean observation. By fostering real-time, large-scale biodiversity monitoring from coastal zones to the open ocean, OBON supports early detection of biological hazards (including harmful algal blooms and pathogens), tracks ecosystem change, and strengthens the scientific foundation for ocean management and policy.

The morning oral session, chaired by Margaret Leinen (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, USA), with co-chairs Katie Pitz (MBARI, USA), Hassan Moustahfid (NOAA IOOS, USA), Julie Robidart (National Oceanography Centre, UK), and Nicolas Pade (EMBRC-ERIC, EU), showcased global collaboration in action. Presentations demonstrated how biomolecular tools are deployed in Australia, how they are enhancing fish species detection in the Colombian Pacific, advancing biodiversity exploration at deep-sea and volcanic sites, and complementing long-term ecological monitoring such as in the Western English Channel. Updates from international initiatives, including ANEMONE Global and the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON), highlighted lessons learned in scaling genomic observations and embedding them within sustained observing systems.

Technological innovation was a central theme. Speakers reviewed advances in aquatic eDNA sampling technologies, integration with autonomous and fixed observing platforms, and the development of standardized workflows. Strong emphasis was placed on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, reference library development, and model integration to ensure biomolecular data can be interpreted, compared, and applied across regions.

The afternoon poster session expanded the global picture, with 15 contributions spanning large ocean states, marine protected areas, and biodiversity hotspots. Posters highlighted long-term eDNA time series revealing plankton dynamics and climate-driven ecological shifts; the development of DNA barcode reference libraries to improve species-level resolution; and applications in fisheries monitoring and pelagic stock assessment. Innovations in portable extraction systems, RNA-based toxin detection, and real-time biosensing illustrated progress toward field-deployable, near-real-time biomolecular observation.

Capacity development emerged as a unifying theme across both sessions. Presentations underscored the importance of training, shared protocols (including standardized biomolecular practices), infrastructure development, and equitable access to technology, ensuring that biomolecular observing becomes a truly global and inclusive component of ocean science.

Together, the sessions demonstrated OBON’s growing role as a cornerstone of next-generation ocean observing systems, connecting technology, data standards, and international partnerships to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and support evidence-based ocean stewardship worldwide.