Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? Adi Kellermann (presented by Julie Gillin) International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Copenhagen

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? BioDiversity (or BioDiv) is the term applied to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it formsBioDiversity (or BioDiv) is the term applied to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms In scientific terms, it comprises species richness and abundance as parametersIn scientific terms, it comprises species richness and abundance as parameters In practical terms, it also includes the diversity of habitats and landscapesIn practical terms, it also includes the diversity of habitats and landscapes It is a truly interdisciplinary approach!It is a truly interdisciplinary approach!

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? Some experts predict that up to two-thirds of all plant and animal species may be lost by the end of this century. Biologists generally believe that these losses represent a threat to Earth system functioning and the well-being of human societies.

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? The Earth's biodiversity is a capital resource that provides vital ecosystem services, renewable goods such as food, fuel, fiber and medicines, and the aesthetic, recreational and cultural riches associated with nature.The Earth's biodiversity is a capital resource that provides vital ecosystem services, renewable goods such as food, fuel, fiber and medicines, and the aesthetic, recreational and cultural riches associated with nature.

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? Threats to biodiversity - indiscriminate fishing e.g. overfishing, non-selective fishing, discards, ghost fishing, physical damage - pollution - climate change (in the sense that biodiversity will be altered) - other indiscriminate human activities e.g. tourism, industrial development, extractions (oil spills; chronic contamination)

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? As one conservation effort, it is essential to transfer knowledge about biodiversity, its status, trends and links with societies from scientists to public and policy levels to support advice and awareness

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? While biodiversity is on the retreat, the amount of information about it has increased significantly While this was confined to geophysics initially, other disciplines are becoming more involved (Brussels 2002)

Ocean Biodiversity Informatics (OBI) 2004 Marine Biodiversity Data – clearing house, data center or what? What is needed for data access, sharing and dissemination? Distributed data bases with common management and access schemes?Distributed data bases with common management and access schemes? Define the role of international organizations such as ICES, IOC, FAO, CoML and OBIS, GBIF and othersDefine the role of international organizations such as ICES, IOC, FAO, CoML and OBIS, GBIF and others How to create and provide data bases on long-term and large-scale patterns as the foundation for assessment and advice?How to create and provide data bases on long-term and large-scale patterns as the foundation for assessment and advice?