The Southeast US Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON): Toward Operational Marine Life Data for Conservation and Sustainability

PI: Muller-Karger, Frank (University of South Florida)
Start Year: 2022 | Duration: 5 years
Partners: NASA, NOAA, University of South Florida, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Miami, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing System, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, EcoQuants

Project Abstract:

We propose a Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) to serve as a regional collaboration hub of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) to address needs for marine biodiversity information in the US Gulf of Mexico and southeast US Exclusive Economic Zone. The effort focuses on the needs of resource managers of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and other federal and state jurisdictions spanning Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, the West Florida Shelf, and deep corals. The objectives of the proposed Southeast MBON are to 1.) Co-design biodiversity monitoring and assessment with users to generate knowledge on ecosystem services in the context of climate change and human uses of the ocean and at scales aligned with those of management; 2.) Converge on subsets of marine Essential Ocean Variables and Essential Biodiversity Variables for regional applications; 3.) Use existing species distribution models and generate forecasts; 4.) Establish a protocol for online distribution of products; and 5.) Serve as MBON Team Leader. We propose novel approaches, including integrating activities across two IOOS Regional Associations (Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association; Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System). We use the framework of ocean observing to develop Essential Biodiversity Variables from Essential Ocean Variables to solve management problems. The project continues to advance technologies of remote sensing (e.g., Seascapes), animal tracking, sound measurements, molecular methods (environmental DNA), and apply regional circulation and species distribution models to document, understand, and forecast connectivity of plankton and larger organisms between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean across the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The Team Leader will help liaise between the US MBON projects, the applied science and user community, and international programs. The effort addresses NOAA’s priorities of science, service, and stewardship. MBON helps to assess ecosystem integrity, advance protection of marine resources, and promote conservation. The interdisciplinary team is diverse in gender and includes members from under-represented groups. The project is a contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development with active participation in the Marine Life 2030 Program.