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Manual of marine and coastal datasets adds 53 new resources to its inventory

The second edition of the Manual of marine and coastal datasets of biodiversity importance now identifies 128 marine and coastal datasets (Annex 2), including 69 detailed metadata sheets (Annex 3) providing the information required to use these datasets effectively.

Knowledge of marine and coastal datasets tends to be fragmented and difficult to access. To respond to these challenges, this document offers an updated overview of global marine and coastal datasets of biodiversity importance, with the addition of 53 data sources identified following the release of the first edition in 2014. These data sources include those related to ecosystem services, natural capital and ecological status and impact, among others, and thereby provide important information for assessing the contribution of these ecosystems and species to human wellbeing.

In addition to the information provided on existing datasets, the various challenges, gaps and limitations that can be presented by coastal and marine data are also discussed, including spatial and temporal gaps and bias, data types (e.g. point, polygon), modelled versus observed data, and spatial and temporal scales.

New data sources in the latest inventory include mangrove forest cover, spawning aggregations, vulnerable marine ecosystems, Living Planet Index, FishBase, ReefBase and much more.

The manual is intended to be a ‘live document,’ with suggestions and contributions welcome. If you have any suggestions of how this manual could be improved, or of additional marine and coastal data sources, please contact Lauren Weatherdon (Lauren.Weatherdon@unep-wcmc.org) and Corinne Martin (Corinne.Martin@unep-wcmc.org). The second edition of the manual is available at wcmc.io/MarineDataManual.

This work was funded by the Proteus Partnership in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC.

Preview of a global screening layer of marine and coast critical habitat

Preview of a global screening layer of marine and coastal “Critical Habitat” as defined by the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6, which is included in Annexes 2 and 3. This methodology was published by Martin et al. in 2014, and can be used to support marine industries’ practices when screening for important biodiversity features.    

Complete summary of new data sources within the inventory, listed by category.

  • Biogenic habitat: Modelled mangrove biomass; mangrove forest cover; mangrove tree height
  • Species habitat: Spawning aggregations
  • Species distribution: GBIF; Movebank; mangrove species ranges
  • Area of biodiversity importance: Vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs); global diversity hotspots and conservation priorities for sharks; Areas of Particular Environmental Interest
  • Biogeographic classification: Coral ecoregions; estuaries
  • Environmental descriptor: Sediment map; mean annual sea surface chlorophyll-a concentrations; mean annual sea surface temperature
  • Ecosystem services and natural capital: Natural capital; coastal recreational values; Ocean Past Initiative; Sea Around Us; Marine Ecosystem Services Partnership; Mapping Ocean Wealth
  • Ecological status and impact: Cumulative human impacts; Environmental Performance Index; Living Planet Index; Reefs at Risk; Coral Reef Watch; plastic debris; Global Restoration Network Database; undersea cables; fishing gear
  • Databases and data portals: PANGAEA; FishBase; ReefBase; Map of Life; Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity; UNEP Live; Species+; Catalogue of Life
  • Administration: Global administrative areas; Marine Regions Data Portal

Publication information

Weatherdon LV, Fletcher R, Jones MC, Kaschner K, Sullivan E, Tittensor DP, Mcowen C, Geffert JL, van Bochove JW, Thomas H, Blyth S, Ravillious C, Tolley M, Stanwell-Smith D, Fletcher S, Martin CS (2015). Manual of marine and coastal datasets of biodiversity importance. December 2015 edition. Cambridge (UK): UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. 30 pp. (+ 4 annexes totalling 221 pp. and one e-supplement). URL: http://wcmc.io/MarineDataManual

Map source: Martin CS, Tolley MJ, Farmer E, Mcowen CJ, Geffert JL, Schalrmeann JPW, Thomas HL, van Bochove JH, Stanwell-Smith D, Hutton JM, Lascelles B, Pilgrim JD, Ekstrom JMM, Tittensor DP (2015). A global map to aid the identification and screening of critical habitat for marine industries. Marine Policy 53: 45-53. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2014.11.007

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