OBON hosted two sessions at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting, which was held in Glasgow, UK, from 22-27 February 2026.

Both sessions were part of the Ocean Technology and Observatories topic.

The Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) featured prominently at the Ocean Sciences Meeting (26 February 2026, SEC, Glasgow) with both an oral session (OT41B) and a poster session (OT44F), highlighting rapid progress in biomolecular approaches to ocean observing and sustainable development.

The Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) is a global initiative revolutionizing ocean monitoring through biomolecular science, including environmental DNA (eDNA).

Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, OBON leverages cutting-edge science to enable real-time, large-scale observation of marine life and ecosystems. OBON has established a global biomolecular network that collects and analyzes eDNA and other biomarkers from coastal to open waters, with the aim to address critical issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. OBON is also building global capacity to improve biomolecular observation and analysis, while promoting equitable access to ocean knowledge and resources.

Through Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles, integrated models, and collaborative approaches, OBON enhances the usability and interpretation of biomolecular data and contributes to the creation of actionable ocean knowledge. This work supports informed decision-making by empowering researchers, policymakers, and communities to better manage and conserve marine ecosystems.

With its scalable framework and inclusive approach, OBON serves as a critical tool for sustainable ocean stewardship and for advancing a holistic vision of ocean health in the decades ahead.

The POGO-supported Latin American and Caribbean Ocean Biomolecular Observation Network (LACOBON) delivered a hybrid eDNA Capacity building workshop at INVEMAR’s headquarters in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 10 to 14th of November 2025.

It gathered practitioners, stakeholders, professors, university students and environmental authorities from 20 institutions across the Latin America and Caribbean region and had the contribution of excellent instructors from leading institutions in different aspects of biomolecular research. Firstly, the workshop included lectures about fundamentals of DNA-based monitoring. Later we had discussion panels about the gaps, needs, challenges and priority actions to implement marine biomolecular monitoring in the different countries and institutions and the importance of scientific outreach to influence both scientists and stakeholders into a better understanding of the need of robust and modern technologies such as eDNA into environmental decisions.

The workshop also included experimental design, field campaigns design and a field trip to majestic Santa Marta’s coastline to capture aquatic and sedimentary eDNA samples to process and analyze in laboratory. Attendees had first-hand experience in DNA extraction, amplification and eDNA sample manipulation. Sequencing and bioinformatics basics were delivered through several talks, roundtables and discussion panels to explore better, most efficient, low cost technology that could be adopted in Latin America and the Caribbean for robust, comparable, FAIR, and affordable biomolecular research. Results of the field trip will be published in a scientific journal and will include comparisons on water volume methods and marine eukaryotic diversity of Santa Marta.

The OBON Network Spotlight: Projects Wave 2025 webinar series, hosted by the Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON), features presentations from projects endorsed as Ocean Decade initiatives under the OBON Programme.

Held during October, it provided viewers with the opportunity to learn about the progress of existing projects and be introduced to newly endorsed ones. The webinars covered a range of themes and, to increase accessibility for both presenters and attendees, the three sessions were spread across different time zones.

Two recent additions to the OBON Network – ANEMONE and PASTIME – were introduced in the June Webinar, watchable here.

The recordings are all publicly available on YouTube

1. OBON Projects – European Time
14th October 2025 from 13:00 – 14:30 BST (UTC +1)

• NEW PROJECT: Marma-detox – Whales and polar bear in a petri dish: decoding marine mammal toxicology through in vitro and in silico approaches – Anders Goksøyr, Norway
• NEW PROJECT: Blowomics – Courtney Waugh & Louise Fargette, Norway [NB unable to present – a separate recording will be made available at a later date]

2. OBON Projects – Americas Time
15th October 2025 from 21:00 – 22:30 BST (UTC +1) – Register here

• Marine Biodiversity Library & MPA eDNA monitoring – Kristen Westfall, Canada
• Pacific eDNA Coastal Observatory – Jennifer Sunday, Canada
• West Coast OBON – Nastassia Patin, USA
• BeBOP – Katie Pitz, USA

3. OBON Projects – Asia-Pacific Time
23rd October 2025 from 06:00 – 07:30 BST (UTC +1) – Register here

• OceanOmics: Monitoring & Protecting Ocean Life – Eric Raes & Philipp Bayer, Australia
• Making eDNA FAIR – Miwa Takahashi, Australia
• EMO BON – Ioulia Santi, France
• NEREA – Lucia Campese, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
• HI-BON – Matt Lemay & Colleen Kellogg, Hakai Institute [NB unable to present – a separate recording will be made available at a later date]

All webinars were recorded and uploaded to OBON’s YouTube channel, allowing you to revisit the content or catch up if you cannot attend live.

4pm – 5pm BST

22 September 2025

About the event:

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionising how we detect and monitor marine mammals, offering a non-invasive, highly sensitive tool for assessing species presence in vast and remote ocean environments. Following strong interest during our recent IMarEST Defra mNCEA Marine Mammal Monitoring Innovation Stakeholder Workshop that was held in February, we are now hosting this dedicated eDNA webinar to explore its practical applications and future potential.

This session will cover how eDNA sampling works, its role in complementing traditional acoustic and visual surveys, and its emerging applications in conservation, impact assessments, and biodiversity monitoring. We’ll also discuss the challenges of eDNA sampling in marine systems and how it fits within a broader toolkit for protecting marine mammal populations.

Ideal for ecologists, regulators, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of marine wildlife science.

Speakers include Matt Lemay, from the Hakai Institute Biomolecular Observing Network (HI-BON) – an Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) project.

Recording now available at:
https://youtu.be/snYJxYoc6Z0?si=0B5-J3NrUudZA-pK

This will be followed by the OBON SAC Meeting on 1 Nov, and the MOTI workshop from 4 to 7 Nov.

Outline Schedule:

Download the latest version of the agenda here:
OBON_Annual-Meeting_Oct25_agenda_V8.pdf

Tuesday 28th Oct: Open Science Day (open to local participants with an interest in biomolecular observations)
This day will feature invited presentations from the region, as well as OBON presentations, with the aim of facilitating exchange and collaboration between OBON and the broader biomolecular observing community in the region).

Wednesday 29th Oct: OBON Projects’ Meeting (invitation only)
This day will include updates on OBON Working Groups and break-out sessions.

Thursday 30th Oct: OBON Projects’ Meeting (invitation only)
This day will include more break-out sessions and reports back from Day 1 break-outs.

Friday 31st Oct: Data workshops (invitation only)
This day will provide demonstrations and hands-on data processing/formatting opportunities, with the aim of facilitating the submission of OBON data to OBIS and comparison of data among OBON projects.

The agenda will include break-out sessions dedicated to the following topics:

• Capacity development
• Data synthesis
• Reference libraries
• Policy
• Protocols/methodology
• Technology development

There will be an opportunity for endorsed projects to introduce themselves and/or provide brief updates, as well as invited presentations from other relevant projects/programmes across the Ocean Decade.

In the run-up to the Annual Meeting, projects were encouraged to take part in the ‘Projects Wave 2025’ webinar series to provide introductions or updates on their activities.

These sessions were all recorded and are publicly available on the OBON YouTube channel.

Supported by:

Bringing Biomolecular Innovation to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Highlights from the OBON Fisheries and Aquaculture Workshop | 2–4 September 2025 | FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy

(see below for Spanish language version of report)

In early September, the Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) convened an international workshop at FAO Headquarters in Rome to explore how biomolecular technologies, such as eDNA, metabarcoding, and other omics tools, can be leveraged to support more sustainable and innovative fisheries and aquaculture management.

The event brought together 39 participants from 20 countries across Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, uniting scientists and aquatic resources managers, in a shared mission to bridge biomolecular research and real-world fisheries management. The workshop was financially sponsored by the Minderoo Foundation and Dalio Philanthropies, with administrative support from the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). OBON also gratefully acknowledges the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for facilitating the venue and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) for their vital logistical support.

Over three days, participants shared insights, experiences, and regional perspectives through a mix of presentations and breakout discussions. The initial plenary presentations set the stage with the current capabilities of eDNA related to fisheries and an example of a government using eDNA data to manage aquatic resources. These presentations were followed by a number of case studies of regional and national efforts to incorporate eDNA and other biomolecular tools into aspects of fish stock assessment and aquaculture management.

Working groups on Stock Assessment, Aquaculture, Ecosystem-Based Management, Compliance and Enforcement, Biomolecular Data, and Capacity Development discussed the state of current use of eDNA, challenges and opportunities. They identified shared goals and practical pathways for action. Key discussions focused on creating robust metrics and visual tools to translate eDNA data into management-ready indicators, improving data transparency and harmonisation, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders including fishers and aquaculture practitioners, managers and citizen scientists in biomolecular monitoring efforts.

The workshop concluded with a collective call to action for each of the working group topics. Some of the highlights included that participants agreed to form an international working group on biomolecular tools for stock assessment, to consider a pathway to develop sector-specific materials for aquaculture applications and to share and develop visual communication tools such as infographics and short videos to showcase the potential of eDNA. Other commitments included building a repository of biomolecular resources for aquatic resources management on the OBON website and preparing case studies for engagement with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and national authorities.

Looking ahead, the OBON Fisheries Management Workshop Steering Committee will reconvene in the coming weeks to review these proposed actions and plan the next phase of implementation in collaboration with workshop participants, including a platform for communication where managers and scientists will be able to continue interacting and exchanging ideas. Together, these efforts mark a significant step towards embedding biomolecular tools at the heart of global fisheries and aquaculture governance.

With thanks to the Minderoo Foundation and Dalio Philanthropies for the financial support that makes this workshop possible.

Thanks also to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for providing a venue, and to POGO for logistical support.

For additional information please contact – Luz H Rodriguez – OBON Programme Manager – OBONxFAO-2025@pml.ac.uk

The GOOS Panel of Experts on Biology and Ecosystems has identified a set of biology and ecosystem EOVs (BioEco) using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework, combined with feasibility and impact assessments. These BioEco EOVs represent the fundamental biology and ecosystem observations needed to better understand ocean health and provide benchmarks for measuring and reporting on the impacts of human pressures and climate change. To date, GOOS has recognized 12 BioEco EOVs, including microbial and phytoplankton biomass and diversity.

The objective of this workshop is to present the concept of BioEco EOVs and their role in coordinating marine observations and managing data for comparison at different scales and for different applications. In particular, the workshop will focus on the marine microbial biomass and diversity EOV.

AGENDA

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and BioEco EOVs
Dr. Ana Lara López
UNESCO-GOOS and University of Tasmania
(10+5 min)

Description of the microbial EOV and the specification sheet (SpecSheet)
Dr. Alejandra Prieto Davo
National Autonomous University of Mexico
Dr. Julie Robidart
National Oceanographic Centre, UK
(10+5 min)

Description of the phytoplankton EOV
Prof. Frank Muller-Karger
University of South Florida
(10+5 min)

Methods and protocols and the Ocean Best Practice System (OBPS)
Dr. Carolina Peralta
University of South Florida
(10+5 min)

The Ocean Data Information System (ODIS)
Dr. Pier Luigi Buttigieg
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
(10+5 min)

Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON)
Dr. Vanessa Yepes Narváez
Institute for Marine and Coastal Research (INVEMAR), Colombia
(10+5 min)

The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS)
Dr. Marcos Zárate
Center for the Study of Marine Systems (CESIMAR-CONICET), Argentina
(10+5 min)

Panel discussion
Suggestions for improving coordination between GOOS and the scientific community and BioEco panel questions to be answered by the LATAM scientific community
(15 min)

We’re thrilled to invite you to our next OBON Webinar: “Introducing OBON’s Newest Waves: Meet the Latest Endorsed Projects”, taking place on 16 June 2025, from 11:30 to 13:00 (UK time) via Zoom.

RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE

This special session will spotlight three exciting new additions to the OBON network, each breaking new ground in biomolecular ocean observation. These projects bring innovative approaches, strong local-to-global links, and bold scientific vision to our growing OBON community.

Join us to meet the teams behind ANEMONE, BLOW, and PASTIME, and discover how they’re contributing to the future of ocean biomolecular and biodiversity science.

ANEMONE (All Nippon eDNA Monitoring Network)

Presented by Michio Kondo – Tohoku University, Japan
Project profile

From coastal shores to deep-sea habitats, ANEMONE is building a comprehensive eDNA network across Japan. This project integrates scientific institutions, local governments, and citizen science to advance biodiversity monitoring using eDNA. Michio Kondo will introduce how ANEMONE is creating a scalable model for ocean observation, one that’s open, inclusive, and globally relevant.

BLOW (Biomarkers in the Breath)

Presented by Courtney Alice Waugh – Nord University, Norway
Project profile

Whale breath holds secrets, and BLOW is unlocking them. This project pioneers the use of microRNA biomarkers in exhaled breath to study cetacean health, stress, and physiology, all in a non-invasive way. Join Courtney Alice Waugh to explore how this innovative research can transform how we study and protect cetaceans.

PASTIME (Present and past climate change impacts on Norwegian fjord ecosystems)

Presented by Agnes Weiner – NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre, Norway

Project profile

PASTIME dives deep, literally and temporally. Using cutting-edge techniques, this project investigates both current and historical impacts of climate change on Norwegian fjords. With its unique time-layered perspective, PASTIME enhances our understanding of how these vital ecosystems are changing, and what that means for their future resilience.

Can’t make it live? The recordings will be available afterwards on OBON’s YouTube channel, allowing you to revisit the content or catch up if you cannot attend live.

OOSC was attended by 2,150 delegates from 113 countries. It provided an opportunity to showcase OBON activities, with an oral presentation delivered by OBON Chair, Margaret Leinen (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA), as part of session T3-6 “Marine Biodiversity Observation and Monitoring”.

Margaret Leinen also participated in a POGO Town Hall, focusing more broadly on the need for sustained, long-term funding for ocean observations in support of global policy frameworks. On the first day of the congress, POGO issued a Statement entitled “No Data, No Action”, which garnered over 50 signatures from members and partner organisations, including OBON. The Statement was also referenced in POGO’s intervention in the UNOC Plenary session – sharing POGO’s global call for urgent, sustained investment in ocean observations.

Margaret Leinen and Sophie Seeyave discussed OBON with various colleagues and stakeholders, taking the opportunity to hold a side-meeting with colleagues from the Cawthron Institute (New Zealand), which is leading the “Citizens of the Sea” eDNA programme.

UNOC was very well attended, with 55 Heads of State and Government, along with 15,000 participants from civil society, business, and science. There were at least 450 side events. At its closing, more than 170 countries adopted an intergovernmentally agreed political declaration committing to urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, entitled Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action. 

Sophie Seeyave spoke about OBON at the “Ocean Omics Partner Showcase and Reception”, hosted by Fortescue, the Minderoo Foundation, and Tattarang, on board the Fortescue Green Pioneer in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

She gave an overview of OBON’s goals, and spoke about the Minderoo Foundation and OceanX-sponsored workshop on “Leveraging Biomolecular Technologies for Supporting Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture”, which will be hosted by FAO in Rome in Sept 2025.

The Minderoo Foundation and IOC-UNESCO also held a side-event to launch a new project, “eDNA Expeditions Phase 2”, which is led by IOC-UNESCO, supported by Minderoo in collaboration with Wilderlab, and powered by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System. Phase 1 of the project was a UN Ocean Decade-endorsed project under OBON, and Phase 2 will continue the efforts from Phase 1 to establish long-term, operational biodiversity monitoring across global sites, generating high-quality data to inform marine decision-makers.

OOS2025-1128 | Orals | T3-6
The Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network: A global hub for biomolecular measurement of marine life
Thu, 05 Jun, 17:00–17:10 (CEST) | Room 4

In addition, there were a number of other oral and poster presentations by representatives of OBON projects, or on topics of relevance, which are listed and linked below.

For the full programme, visit https://one-ocean-science-2025.org/

Posters in Orange

Oral sessions in Green

OOS2025-636 | Posters on site | T3-6 
Implementing long-term genomic observation in the marine environment: preliminary results from the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) 
Christina Pavloudi and Alice Soccodato and the EMO BON consortium
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P286

OOS2025-1502 | Posters on site | T3-6 
Tracking sharks and rays in continental estuaries of Central America: Using eDNA to inform conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific  
Matthieu Leray, Yaliana Chichaco, Laetitia Wilkins, Yehudi Rodriguez-Arriati, Viviane Ali, Jorge Reque, Omar Domínguez Domínguez, Maria Lacayo, Nicole Phillips, Ilena Zanella, and Helio Quintero
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P282

OOS2025-1554 | Orals | T3-6 
Uncovering the Secrets of Coral Reef Biodiversity: Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Assess Diurnal and Nocturnal Shifts in the Florida Keys  
Mary Williams and Heather Bracken-Grissom
Wed, 04 Jun, 14:10–14:20 (CEST) | Room 7

OOS2025-654 | Orals | T3-6 
Environmental DNA to Enhance Fish Biodiversity Assessment.  
Benoit Dérijard, Cécile Sabourault, Sylvain Roblet, Gilles Gambini, Fabrice Priouzeau, Julie Marty, and Jean-Michel Cottallorda
Wed, 04 Jun, 16:30–16:40 (CEST) | Room 7

OOS2025-1479 | Orals | T10-17 
Integrating acoustic and genetic methods to understand cetacean presence and distribution  
Sara Vieira, Fabien de Varenne, Sandrine Gaillard, Renata Sousa-Lima, and Hervé Glotin
Tue, 03 Jun, 10:50–11:00 (CEST) | Room 6

OOS2025-207 | Orals | T10-7 
Citizens Of The Sea: Mapping Ocean Health At Scale  
Xavier Pochon, Erin Bomati, Mary Frankham, James Frankham, Eric Swale, Olivier Laroche, Victor Bonito, Karen Stone, and Pablo Saenz
Thu, 05 Jun, 14:20–14:30 (CEST) | Room 3

OOS2025-1428 | Posters on site | T5-6 
athENA and SAMBA: the Global Marine Biodiversity Data Management and Analysis Framework  
Patrick Durand, Pauline Auffret, David Goudenege, Cyril Noel, Laura Leroi, and Alexandre Cormier
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P423

OOS2025-192 | Orals | T10-2
Technological innovations for coastal ocean observation: outcomes of the JERICO-S3 project  
Eric Delory and the JERICO-S3 technological innovation work package team
Wed, 04 Jun, 14:20–14:30 (CEST) | Room 8

OOS2025-278 | ECOP | Posters on site | T2-5
Quantifying indigenous kelp contributions to New Zealand’s deep-sea carbon sinks  
Mari Deinhart, Jaret Bilewitch, Robert Hickson, Joe Zuccarello, Roberta D’Archino, Daniel Leduc, Judy Sutherland, Amber Brooks, Lisa Smith, Sarah Bury, Josette Delgado, Ollie Kerr-Hislop, Grace Frontin-Rollet, Clark Alexander, and Scott Nodder
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P132

OOS2025-1543 | ECOP | Posters on site | T4-6
Assessing biodiversity of remote deep-sea chemosynthetic environments: a case study comparing morphological and metabarcoding analysis of seep macrofauna from the U.S. Cascadia margin  
Penny McCowen, Donald Behringer, Jill Bourque, Tiago Pereira, Holly Bik, and Amanda Demopoulos
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P409

OOS2025-670 | ECOP | Orals | T3-9
Large-Scale Mangrove Restoration and Blue Carbon Voluntary Market Advancement in the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Puerto Rico  
Benjamin Scheelk
Thu, 05 Jun, 15:00–15:10 (CEST) | Room 1O

OS2025-1416 | Posters on site | T10-1 
Advances in Benthic Ecosystem Function Research: Integrating Current Practices and Future Technologies for Enhanced Assessments  
Hilmar Hinz, Laia Illa-López, Cecilia Mendoza, Maria del Mar Gil, and Silva de Juan
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P591

OOS2025-1378 | Orals | T3-10
Protection and restoration effectiveness: from field evidence to a practical tool for partitioners  
Remy Simide, Géraldine Pérez, Lola Romant, Sylvain Couvray, Ewan Tregarot, Cindy Cornet, and David Mouillot
Thu, 05 Jun, 09:00–09:10 (CEST) | Room 1O

OS2025-619 | Posters on site | T8-2 
Cleanup operations in the high seas as a valuable platform for environmental research   
Maira Carneiro Proietti, Marjolein van Vulpen, Ahmad Damaj, Peter Puskic, Marleen Vintges, Laurent Lebreton, Yannick Pham, Thijs Bosker, Kaushar Kagzi, Kathryn Stewart, Krijn Trimbos, Hugh Gifford, Johanna Rhodes, Marina Zimmer Correa, Silvina Botta, and Matthias Egger
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P529

OOS2025-1089 | Orals | T3-6
Long-term monitoring of coastal biodiversity in France using environmental DNA metabarcoding: the ‘Sentinel Marine Areas’ network  
Anthony Maire, Laure Velez, Amandine Avouac, and David Mouillot
Wed, 04 Jun, 16:50–17:00 (CEST) | Room 7

OOS2025-781 | Posters on site | T10-1 
Navigating New Frontiers: Transformative Ocean Science, Data Collection and Action through The Ocean Race  
Stefan Raimund, Toste Tanhua, Véronique Garçon, Peter Landschützer, Martin Kramp, Thierry Reynaud, Katsiaryna Pabortsava, Victoria Fulfer, John Patrick Walsh, Olivier Desprez de Gésincourt, Xavier Pochon, Shaun Dolk, Arne Bratkič, and Lucy Hunt
Thu, 05 Jun, 18:00–20:00 (CEST) | Poster area “La Baleine” | P578

OOS2025-1256 | Orals | T10-1
Conditions for the production of robust deep sea science to inform and support ocean action  
Sarah Samadi, Anouk Barberousse, Julien Collot, Jérôme Aucan, Walter Roest, Karine Olu, and Pierre-Yves Lemeur
Tue, 03 Jun, 14:20–14:30 (CEST) | Room 8