European Marine Biodiversity Observatory Systems

This paper provides an overview of European Marine Biodiversity Observatory Systems. It explains why more attention should be put on marine biodiversity, and raises concern about the understudied marine realm. It builds on a historical perspective of the creation of networks of marine stations, as well as the need of harmonisation among them. Finally, a few examples of successful projects and results obtained are given, followed by concluding remarks from the current situation to a future perspective.