EMBRC launches its new website 

EMBRC has unveiled its new website, updated to better serve scientists, industry, policymakers, and international organisations. With a strong focus on user experience and improved navigation, the site makes it easier for users to find the services and information they need to support scientific work or inform marine-related policy and decisions.

Spotlight on mesocosms at Toralla Marine Sciences Station, Vigo University (ECIMAT-UVigo)

The University of Vigo (UVigo), in Galicia, northwest Spain, is home to the Marine Research Centre (CIM): an interdisciplinary marine science hub focusing on aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, climate change impacts, and marine renewable energy. 

Innovative disease control strategies in marine aquaculture

Dr. Pantelis Katharios is a distinguished researcher and founder and CEO of Aquatic Biologicals: a spin-off company from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR / EMBRC Greece), which has been recognised as the first Greek marine biotechnology company exclusively focused on aquaculture health. He studies emerging diseases in novel aquaculture species and has over 75 peer-reviewed publications and articles.

EMBRC welcomes the first Oceans 20 Communiqué

Oceans 20 (O20) – the first permanent engagement group formalised under the Brazilian presidency of the G20 recognising the central role of the ocean in global nature and climate agendas – has released its first Communiqué. The message calls for G20 Leaders to integrate the ocean into their climate, development, and trade agendas.

EMBRC’s EMO BON observatory releases its first data

EMO BON has released the first data collected from its sampling efforts around Europe. These data will be integrated into the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (European DTO) and are also available for anyone who wants to use them for meta-analysis. Future data releases will take place around every six months.

The impact of seasonality on marine species richness

A new paper published in Nature Communications has utilised EMBRC’s EMO BON network to make an important discovery about marine biodiversity richness. In this Q&A Matthias Obst, University of Gothenburg explains the significance of this new publication.

How Open Data Benefits Biodiversity Study

The digitalisation of science offers massive potential to EMBRC’s work towards better understanding of biodiversity in the ocean. Tackling complicated topics requires huge volumes of data that we must properly mine to advance marine science and meet the 30x30 goals.

EMBRC announces its vision to drive Blue Economy innovation through stronger industry partnerships

Paris, 18 October 2024 – The European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) has set out its vision for strengthening partnerships with private sector researchers. As ocean-related economic activities outpace the global economic growth, the need for sustainable management of marine biological resources and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The research infrastructure has the expertise and facilities to support emerging industries within the ocean economy, particularly marine aquaculture, biotechnology, and marine observation.

Platynereis dumerilii (platy) study

We use a specific model organism in the lab. It’s a marine ragworm called Platynereis dumerilii but we call it platy for short. These animals grow to around 3–4cm in size and they’re found all over the place in Europe: across all coastlines from Norway to Italy. They span a wide range of habitats – just think of how much difference there is between Norway and Italy in temperature alone.

Comparative study of Pseudo-nitzschia assemblage from Central Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Sea (or other local marine environment): morphological and molecular approach

Sanda Skejić and Jasna Arapov, from the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Croatia, used Marine Organism Taxonomy (MOTax) Unit at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) as part of the ASSEMBLE Plus project. MOTax is a specialised counselling centre which exploits advanced resources, skills and expertise that are available at SZN for the taxonomy and identification of various groups of marine organisms.

Studying a changing planet: how EMBRC supported the TREC expedition

The Traversing European Coastlines expedition (TREC) will wrap up on July 30 after visiting countries across Europe through 2023 and 2024. During its final month, the expedition visited Greece with a one-day stop at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) in Crete.

EMBRC continues to promote innovation in aquaculture by joining the European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATIP)

EMBRC is pleased to announce it is now a member of the European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATIP). Joining the network is part of EMBRC’s ongoing strategy to support the European Blue Economy through aquaculture development.

Grand entretien: Nicolas Pade

12/06/2024

Décisions Durables

World Ocean Day, the hidden value in the ocean

When you think of World Ocean Day, you might imagine sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles – charismatic animals that beguile us with their intelligence, ingenuity, and fascinating behaviours.

Sustainable science for a brighter future EMBRC launches its 2023 annual report

In the run up to this World Ocean Day, we’re proud to share how EMBRC is advancing the understanding of marine life and creating a sustainable future for everyone in our 2023 Annual Report. As the only research infrastructure for marine biology and ecology research, EMBRC works with partners to accelerate knowledge of marine biodiversity through research and ocean exploration so we can understand the pressures on life in the ocean, advance scientific innovation, and promote the sustainable use of marine resources. Throughout 2023, we have continued to work towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackle societal problems through a range of exciting projects, and our work is showcased in this year's report.

New country member: Finland joins the EMBRC network

The European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) is pleased to welcome Finland to the pan-European research infrastructure as it becomes the 10th country to join its network of marine stations across Europe.  

New EMBRC services for AQUAEXCEL3.0: aquaculture researchers encouraged to apply for funding

The European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) has joined the Transnational Access programme of the AQUAEXCEL3.0 project and is announcing a joint call for access proposals.

Marine research and disease: how EMBRC’s work is increasing our knowledge and understanding of cancer

When people think about the study of the ocean, their first thought is often about how marine biological discoveries can help the environment and our move towards a sustainable Blue Economy. And, while this is true, many people are surprised by the benefits marine research can have for studies into human health and the treatment of diseases.

The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples hosts the main stop of the TREC scientific expedition

Naples was chosen as the only Italian 'super-stop' of the expedition and will offer scientific and public engagement activities. TREC - the expedition combining scientific activities on land and at sea at an unprecedented scale - arrives at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples. After eight months of sampling the European coastline along the Atlantic, Baltic and North Sea throughout 2023, the TREC expedition will explore the Mediterranean coastline in 2024 and in particular the Naples area - chosen as the main stop in Italy. Scientific activities, conferences and public engagement activities are planned in the city for over a month.

Navigating Agriculture’s Water Challenges: Insights from EMBRC’s Davide Di Cioccio, interviewed by AgroServ

This month, EMBRC was proud to be highlighted in AgroServ’s Chronicles. 

Building the Ocean Decade roadmap for 2030: join EMBRC at two satellite events in Barcelona

EMBRC is attending the UN’s 2024 Ocean Decade conference in Barcelona (April 10–12) with our EU project MARCO-BOLO and the EMO BON observatory and will have a presence at two satellite events.

Morphology and structure of chondrocytes and their association with mineralising tissues in shark and ray cartilage

In this project, Mason Dean, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany, and PhD student Júlia Chaumel used sharks and rays to better understand cartilage biology, believing that the tissue’s distinct features could prove useful for biomedicine.

The French Mediterranean coastline welcomes TREC to investigate human impact on marine biodiversity (March 30 – April 13)

TREC, the first European expedition to study the impact of man on the Ocean and coastal regions, is making a stopover in the French Mediterranean Launched in Brittany at Roscoff in 2023, the TREC expedition will sample a total of 120 sites in 21 European countries. TREC is led by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), in collaboration with the Tara Océan Foundation and the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC). TREC will visit the French Mediterranean in April, where the Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls and the Institut de la Mer de Villefranche will host EMBL's mobile services.

EMBRC explains its updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

EMBRC has updated its Standard Operating Procedures for observatories taking part in EMO BON and shared a Handbook for researchers to follow. Although SOPs aren’t always used in science, these procedures will help observatories across the network avoid biases and produce comparable and interoperable results.

EMBRC and SDG 9: boosting innovation for a sustainable future

When people think about the benefits of marine science, their mind will often go to conservation efforts first. And rightly so: learning more about the ocean helps inform better protection efforts. This might include finding ways of tackling pollution or identifying critical habitats and outlining the most effective ways to protect them. 

Women making waves in science

For the women and girls aspiring to develop a career in STEM, it can be hard to know how to have a positive impact in science, especially without seeing strong role models. So we wanted to introduce a few of our team members and talk to them about the vital role women play in the advancement of marine science. 

EMBRC funds new imaging training

Discover marine biology through our PhD-focused course on marine invertebrates and live imaging. Theory meets practice with online modules and onsite labs.  Led by IMEV experts, master sample prep, microscopy, and image analysis.

Celebrating the importance of women in science

February 11 marks the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This annual celebration aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in recognising the critical role that women and girls play in the scientific field. 

Sustainable growth in the Black Sea: Accelerator tackles environmental problems through industry and innovation

Finding solutions to environmental problems is important in all marine ecosystems but particularly in the Black Sea, which experts believe could become the first major sea devoid of life. Its poor water quality – with high eutrophication and litter – is threatening the region’s fish stocks and species diversity. 

Diving into the critical importance of research infrastructures

EMBRC is a leading European distributed research infrastructure (also known as an ‘RI’) that explores marine biodiversity and ecosystems. RIs play a critical role in advancing scientific knowledge. But how do they do this and why are they so important? 

Photobiology of mesophotic corals

I applied to ASSEMBLE Plus because I wanted to study the coral reefs of the Red Sea and collaborate with a leading Israeli coral research group. Specifically, I was looking forward to accessing the field research station at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences (IUI) in Eilat, Israel . The field station allows for easy access to a range of corals from shallow water down to a depth of 50 m. I have a specific interest in studying the photophysiology of corals and how corals respond to differences in ambient light regimes.

eDNA Aqua Plan: the eDNA revolution for biodiversity

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people are familiar with PCR tests. But many would be surprised to find that, as well as indicating illness or pregnancy, these rapid tests can help reveal the biological secrets of marine habitats.

New funding: the next generation of marine research services being developed for EMBRC’s catalogue will foster innovation

EMBRC is pleased to announce the funding of five projects through its Joint Development Activities (JDA) initiative, which aims to develop the next generation of scientific services for the marine research community.

EMO BON and the need for long-term data collection

EMO BON is a long-term omics observatory of marine biodiversity. But what does that mean and why are long-term genomic observatories important?

Advancing marine science in 2022: EMBRC unveils its latest annual report

We’re pleased to share our 2022 Annual Report with an overview of how we’re working with partners to advance marine science and innovation, support the sustainable use of marine resources and create a brighter future for the billions of people who rely on our ocean.

How EMBRC is helping researchers make the most of their data

Marine biologists and biodiversity scientists are invited to learn how to make the most of their research data in a three-day FAIR training course funded by EMBRC and organised by VLIZ and the University of Ghent (EMBRC Belgium).

Ocean observation deepening our understanding of marine life and our planet

The oceans are home to millions of plants and animals as well as potentially millions more that we are yet to discover. From the smallest microscopic plankton to blue whales, all living organisms in the ocean have a vital and intricate role to play in the healthy functioning of marine ecosystem, fundamental to all life on Earth. 

EMBRC and Mercator Ocean International join forces to raise awareness of ocean observation

EMBRC has partnered with Mercator Ocean International and the EU4OceanObs project on a campaign raising awareness of the importance of ocean observation in global conservation efforts and the positive societal impacts of EMBRC’s mission and activities.

Sweden welcomes European expedition studying human impact on seas and coastal regions

Our seas and coasts host an extremely rich diversity of life and play critical roles in the stability and sustainability of wider ecosystems. However, anthropogenic interferences are leading to accelerated loss of species’ genetic diversity and destruction of functional ecosystems. To minimise the future impact of such external factors on coastal biodiversity, we must understand the molecular and cellular basis of how organisms interact in ecosystems and react to external pressures in the context of their natural habitats.

Bergen welcomes European expedition studying human impact on coastal regions

The ‘Traversing European Coastlines’ (TREC) project is the first pan-European effort to study life in its natural context across scales and scientific disciplines. The TREC expedition will sample on land and at sea in Norway’s Bergen and surrounding areas. On 5 and 6 August a travelling exhibition will offer the general public an exploration of marine organisms at VilVite, the Bergen Science Centre.

Prof of marine biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven

We, Insa Mannott and Imke Lang, applied to ASSEMBLE Plus for two good reasons: first, we were interested in learning more about cryopreservation of marine microalgae and the CCAP Team at [EMBRC partner] SAMS offered us access to excellent know-how and infrastructure. The second reason was to deepen our collaborations with colleagues at SAMS and to get the opportunity for a scientific exchange on-site.

MARCO-BOLO EU project launches survey on biodiversity data

Whether you are involved in marine, coastal, freshwater or terrestrial biodiversity conservation, the EU-funded MARCO-BOLO project invites you to share your insights as we assess the data and monitoring needs of stakeholders within and beyond the EU.

EuroMarine/EMBRC joint call: Investigating Posidonia oceanica microbial associated communities in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: adding a piece to the Posidonia oceanica holobiont assessment

This project builds on the encouraging results on the relationship between seagrasses and epiphytic microbes. Our previous work revealed that the seagrass epiphytic microbes are specific to each species due to their structural and physiological characteristics and that microbes may play an important role in seagrass ecology (Conte et al., 2021a). These results suggested us the potential use of the epiphytic microbes as an early warning of seagrass ecological status (Conte et al., 2021b). In this project, we focused the research on the Mediterranean endemic Posidonia oceanica as it is of increasing importance to investigate new aspects of this species’ ecology, considering its interaction with the associated microbes, and detecting early sign of stress to improve its conservation

A leading European research infrastructure advancing marine science

18/06/2023

ECO MAGAZINE

Oostende receives scientific expedition to study human impact on Europe’s seas and coastal regions

The ‘Traversing European Coastlines’ (TREC) project is the first pan-European, cross-disciplinary effort to examine life in its natural context at unprecedented scales. Oostende and surrounding areas in West Flanders will host sample collection at land and at sea as well as activities for the general public.

Bringing the power of molecular biology to environmental science

11/05/2023

SCIENCE BUSINESS

EMBL, Tara and EMBRC on an expedition to study human impact on European coastal ecosystems

Europe’s coastlines are environments rich in biodiversity that also represent important sites of industry, culture, and heritage. 40 %of Europe’s population live within a coastal region, and many European societies have been, and still are, defined by their relationships with the sea. Our seas and coasts represent key ecosystems that host an extremely rich diversity of life and play critical roles in the stability and sustainability of wider ecosystems. However, anthropogenic interferences such as pollution, farming, and building construction, as well as the impact of climate change, are leading to accelerated loss of species’ genetic diversity and destruction of functional ecosystems. To minimise the future impact of such external factors on coastal biodiversity, we must understand the molecular and cellular basis of how organisms interact in ecosystems and react to external pressures in the context of their natural habitats.

The TREC scientific expedition’s first step in Roscoff

The TREC project is the first large-scale expedition to study European coastal ecosystems on both land and sea. Several sites in Roscoff will be used to take samples. From 8 to 10 April, the general public will be invited to meet the research teams, take part in scientific workshops and discover the expedition’s installations.

Tropicalization of marine forest in North-Western Iberia: from kelp forest to algal turf assemblages

'In our project, we study the loss of kelp forests and their replacement by algal turfs. Although there is evidence of this seascape change worldwide, in NW Iberia, it has not been studied yet. NW Iberia coastlines are the southern distributional range of some kelp species, and to know if kelp disappearing from sites where they were present before is very useful.

Application of Effect Directed Analysis (EDA) to hospital effluents

Thanks to ASSEMBLE Plus, we, Dr Belén González-Gaya and PhD student Naroa Lopez- Herguedas, enjoyed a one-month internship at the Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR) in March 2020. We belong to the Analytical Chemistry department at Plentzia Marine Station (University of the Basque Country). Our research explores the presence and behaviour of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

Spondylus multiomics: bridging biomineralization and archaeology

I applied to ASSEMBLE Plus because I was searching for a way to collect live specimens of Spondylus gaederopus molluscs and to obtain their genomics data. My research focuses on studying mollusc shell proteins which are inside the mineral skeleton for dual purposes: to better understand the molecular aspects of biomineralisation and also use them as molecular barcodes to identify the biological origin of prehistoric shell artifacts.

Revealing the morphological plasticity of a cell in planktonic symbioses

Dr Johan Decelle, a group leader at the Grenoble Alpes University, used EMBRC and Euro-BioImaging services to successfully conduct research on symbiotic interactions with microalgae. His aim was to unveil the structural architecture of the microalgal cell and its integration into a host cell using cutting-edge imaging technologies.

Invasive and cryptic ascidians: discovery and integrative taxonomy

I applied to ASSEMBLE Plus to collect ascidians species from the marine environment of three access providers: Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR), The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (IUI), and Hellenic Centre of Marine Research (HCMR). Ascidians are one of the main components of biofouling: when introduced, they can rapidly grow and become invasive.