Biodiversity is a sentinel of ocean health and an increasingly crucial component of ocean observing. Marine Biodiversity Observing Networks, part of a global effort to understand changes and connections between biodiversity and ecosystem function, are an important partner in understanding and managing marine ecosystems. This project will continue development of the Northern California Current Marine Biodiversity Observing Network with an established community of resource managers, tribal partners, and stakeholders. This award will support the creation of a regional MBON hub, advance remote sensing, contribute to the development of best practices of image classification and FAIR practices for image data archiving and sharing. In addition, the team will work with the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment and National Marine Sanctuaries to develop ecosystem indicators derived from observations and new information products.

PI: Maria Kavanaugh, Oregon State University

IRA Funded Marine Life award: $1.75M