Updated EOV specification sheets

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement number 101136748. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets May 2025 Authors: Ana Lara-Lopez, Elizabeth Lawrence, Lina Mtwana Nordlund Ref. Ares(2025)10648915 - 03/12/2025 Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 2 Project Information Project full title: Co-Creating Transformative Pathways to Biological and Ecosystem Ocean Observations Project acronym: BioEcoOcean Grant agreement number: 101136748 Project start date and duration: 1st of February 2024, 48 months Project website: https://bioecoocean.org/ Project Coordinator: Lina Mtwana Nordlund Deliverable information Deliverable number: 2.3 Deliverable title: Updated EOV specification sheets Submission date: 23.05.2023 Level of dissemination: Public Work package and task: WP2 Task 2.3 Lead Beneficiary: UNESCO Authors: Ana Lara-Lopez (UNESCO-GOOS), Elizabeth Lawrence (UNESCO-OBIS), Lina Mtwana Nordlund (UU) Contributors: Ward Appeltans, Pieter Provoost, Pier Luigi Buttigieg, Narissa Bax, Erica Towle, Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi, Jarrett Byrnes, Anthony Bernard, Tony Koslow, Kim Bernard, Svenja Halfter, Raphe Kudela, Claire Davies, Tammy Davies, Patricia Serafini, Samantha Simmons, Dipani Sutaria, Virni Arifanti, Henry Ruhl, Rachel Przeslawski, Peter Tyack, Lucille Chapui, Dmitris Poursanidis, Eduardo Cuevas, Alejandra Prieto Davo, Julie Robidart, Frank Muller-Karger Reviewers: Artur Palacz (IO PAN) and Said Hashim (UU) To be cited as: Lara-Lopez, A., Lawrence, E., Nordlund, L.M. 2025. Updated EOV specification sheets. BioEcoOcean deliverable 2.3. https://10.0.20.161/zenodo.15480849 Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 3 Executive Summary In response to identified gaps in the consistency and effectiveness of the existing Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) framework, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Biology & Ecosystems Expert Panel (BioEco Panel) undertook a systematic process to update the GOOS BioEco EOV specification sheets. This process was led and steered by the Panel Science Officer as part of the BioEcoOcean project. Through this process, a restructuring of the EOV template was carried out with the aim of improving the clarity, utility, and alignment of specification sheets across the GOOS expert panels as well as with external global reporting systems such as the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). This report documents the process and outcomes of updating the GOOS BioEco EOV specification sheets (Fig. 1). A revised specification sheet template was developed through a series of online workshops supported by the BioEcoOcean project that included consultation with the other GOOS expert panels (Biogeochemistry and Physics and Climate). A key enhancement of the EOV specification sheets was the new addition of a Data Management section, offering practical guidance on contributing data and metadata to the global observing system. To support the implementation of the new template, the BioEcoOcean project developed a Guide to complete the EOV specification sheets (D2.1) and supported the GOOS BioEco Panel Science Officer in convening a series of online workshops to begin drafting updated sheets. Drafts were reviewed by the BioEcoOcean consortium, with refinements discussed during an in-person workshop held in Sopot, Poland, from February 3 to 6, 2025. Key outcomes of the update process include: • New step-by-step guidance on how to contribute metadata and data to the global system. • Development of first draft specification sheets for two pilot EOVs: Microbe biomass and diversity and Benthic invertebrate abundance and distribution. • Separation of previously grouped EOVs into distinct specification sheets for Sea turtles, Marine mammals, and Seabirds. • Completion of a revised Ocean Sound EOV specification sheet, supported by a full implementation plan developed with the support of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). The updated BioEco EOV specification sheets are available online at: www.goosocean.org/eov Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 4 Graphical Abstract Figure 1. Graphical abstract of the process to update the BioEco EOV specification sheets Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 5 Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 Graphical Abstract .................................................................................................................................. 4 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 The Need for a globally coordinated ocean observing system ............................................... 7 1.2 Integration with other Global Observation Frameworks ........................................................ 9 1.3 What are EOVs? ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 The EOV specification sheet update ..................................................................................... 10 2. Improving the specification sheet template ................................................................................. 11 2.1 Rationale for updating the template .................................................................................... 11 2.2 The process ........................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 A new structure for the EOV specification sheet .................................................................. 12 2.4 The EOV Guide ...................................................................................................................... 14 3. Updating the specification sheets ................................................................................................. 15 3.1 Expanding the GOOS BioEco Panel ............................................................................................. 15 3.2 Developing a new data management section to contribute data to the global system ............ 15 3.3 Updating the specification sheets ............................................................................................... 16 3.4 Next steps ................................................................................................................................... 20 4. Conclusions ................................................................................................................................... 20 References ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 23 Appendix 1. Survey questions for feedback on EOV specification sheets ........................................ 23 Appendix 2. BioEcoOcean and GOOS BioEco Panel joint workshop agenda .................................... 26 Appendix 3. Links to Biology and Ecosystems updated EOV specification sheets............................ 28 Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 6 Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition BGC Biogeochemistry BioEco Biology and Ecosystems CBD Convention on Biological Diversity EBV Essential Biodiversity Variable ECV Essential Climate Variable EOV Essential Ocean Variable EVs Essential variables FAIR Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable GCOS Global Climate Observing System GOOS Global Ocean Observing System GEO BON Group of Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission IO PAN Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences MBON Marine Biodiversity Observation Network OBIS Ocean Biodiversity Information System OBPS Ocean Best Practices System OCG Observations Coordination Group ODIS Ocean Data and Information System POGO Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean UN United Nations UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UU Uppsala University Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 7 1. Introduction 1.1 The Need for a globally coordinated ocean observing system The ocean is central to life on Earth—it regulates climate, supports biodiversity, and provides vital ecosystem services such as food, energy, and coastal protection. Yet despite its global importance, our understanding of the ocean—particularly its biological and ecosystem dimensions—remains limited and fragmented (Muller-Karger et al., 2024). Unlike physical and chemical ocean observations, which are routinely observed through globally coordinated systems, biology and ecosystems (BioEco) observations are still largely conducted at local or regional scales, using varied methodologies and standards. A globally coordinated ocean observing system is essential for generating the consistent, longterm, and comparable data required to track biodiversity trends, assess ecosystem health, and monitor progress toward international targets such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Biodiversity Framework (Miloslavich et al., 2024; Muller-Karger et al., 2024; Satterthwaite et al., 2021). Such coordination enables alignment across initiatives, reduces duplication, fills critical gaps, and supports the production of robust indicators that can inform policy and decision-making at all levels—from local resource management to international climate strategies. Key initiatives such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) are building the foundations for this global coordination. GOOS, established by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, plays a leading role in aligning ocean observing efforts through its adoption of the Framework for Ocean Observing (Lindstrom et al., 2012). This framework introduced a systems-design approach aimed at developing an integrated, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose global ocean observing system, with its implementation overseen by several structures of GOOS, including the three disciplinary expert panels on: (1) Physics & Climate, (2) Biogeochemistry, and (3) Biology & Ecosystems. At the heart of this framework lies the concept of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)—a focused set of ocean measurements that are both scientifically valuable and feasible to observe globally (Fig 2). For biological and ecosystem observations, EOVs include variables such as plankton biomass and diversity, fish abundance and distribution, and seagrass or coral cover and composition (Miloslavich et al., 2018). The EOV concept helps streamline efforts, providing a common language and shared priorities that enable coordination across regions, institutions, and disciplines. It also allows the observing community to concentrate resources where they are most needed, while improving data comparability and usability. Importantly, EOVs are not only scientific tools—they are designed to support societal goals. By providing a basis for robust indicators and evidence-based assessments, EOVs help inform Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 8 conservation planning, marine spatial management, environmental reporting, and policy development. In doing so, they contribute to a shift away from fragmented, project-specific monitoring toward a coherent, global system of sustained biological and ecosystem observation. The continued development and operationalisation of BioEco EOVs—through GOOS and in collaboration with partner networks such as GEO BON’s Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and OBIS—is essential for addressing persistent data gaps and achieving the level of integration required to support sustainable ocean management. In this way, EOVs are not simply technical elements of a monitoring framework; they are enablers of global alignment, strategic focus, and shared impact. Anchoring biological and ecosystem observation within the EOV framework is a key step toward building the coordinated systems needed to safeguard ocean life and support human well-being. Figure 2. GOOS Essential Ocean Variables. Colour coding: physics EOVs in dark blue, BGC EOVs orange, BioEco EOVs in green, cross-disciplinary EOVs in light blue. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 9 1.2 Integration with other Global Observation Frameworks Connections between GOOS EOVs and other Essential Variables (EVs) were recognised from their inception, but the EV landscape has since expanded significantly. To ensure Earth system coherence, EOVs are now explicitly aligned with other EV frameworks, particularly the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), led by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) (Bojinski et al., 2014) and the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), led by the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) (Pereira et al., 2013). GOOS serves as the ocean component of these broader global frameworks. These framework alignments are not merely conceptual. ECVs support climate policy under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), while EBVs link to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with GOOS ensuring ongoing compatibility for global assessments. Among the 55 ECVs identified by GCOS, 19 are ocean-related, overlapping with eleven physics and five biogeochemistry EOVs. For ocean biological ECVs, they are typically constructed by combining multiple BioEco EOVs (e.g. the plankton ECV encompasses the phytoplankton and zooplankton EOVs). Similarly, EBVs use BioEco EOVs as core building blocks—integrating data on species abundance or habitat data—enabling broader biodiversity monitoring (Bax et al., 2019; Muller-Karger et al., 2018). Collaborative efforts, like the GOOS BioEco Panel’s partnership with GEO BON’s MBON, are central to harmonizing observations across these frameworks. Such collaborations improve interoperability, reduce duplication of effort, and strengthen the collective impact of global ocean observation systems. 1.3 What are EOVs? EOVs are key physical, chemical, and biological measurements that provide insight into ocean conditions and trends. They help us: • Track climate change, • Forecast weather-related events, • Monitor the health of marine ecosystems at local to global scales. Examples of EOVs include sea surface temperature, nutrient levels, and seagrass cover and composition. To be considered “essential,” a variable must meet two criteria: 1. Impact – It provides valuable information for science, management, or policy. 2. Feasibility – It can be reliably and practically measured across time and space. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 16 ODIS, as the most recent addition to the digital ecosystem, plays a crucial role in making data and metadata more findable. Understanding and communicating its technological connections with OBIS and the BioEco portal were essential steps in drafting the guidelines. While ongoing improvements continue to enhance connections between these systems, the guidelines were written with these advancements in mind. The development of the data management section for the specification sheets was a collaborative effort, led by OBIS, with significant input from ODIS to ensure the guidelines accurately captured all aspects of the digital data ecosystem. A key challenge was differentiating the dual flows of information: the BioEco EOV data itself and the metadata about what we now call the "data producers" (e.g., monitoring programmes, projects, organizations, etc.). Both need to be visible in ODIS and/or OBIS. Striking a balance between these distinct flows while maintaining coherence across the document required careful thought and iterative revisions. The process presented several challenges. Balancing the level of detail was difficult; on one hand, enough step-by-step information on how to contribute data, including links to external resources for specific details, was necessary, while on the other hand, it was important to keep the content accessible for a broad, non-technical audience. Early drafts, for instance, leaned heavily toward highly technical explanations, and significant time was dedicated to distilling this text, aiming to retain technical accuracy while simplifying the language. After this, anonymous feedback gathered from BioEcoOcean colleagues highlighted the need to further clarify the guidelines with simple, explicit steps. The section was rewritten to ensure the text provided a clear path with actionable steps without overwhelming users, as well as lists of minimally required information. The newly developed EOV Metadata Submission App, made possible through the support of the BioEcoOcean project, was instrumental in simplifying data producer metadata submission to ODIS, which otherwise is a highly technical process. To support long-term accessibility and adaptability, the metadata and data management guidelines were moved from a static document to a GitHub repository and are now hosted online (https://iobis.github.io/eov-data-management/). This allows for easy updates as data guidelines evolve over time, avoiding the need to update the EOV specification sheets themselves, which now link to the resource and contain only minimal information and helpful links. This collaborative process underscored the importance of providing clear communication and iterative feedback in creating user-friendly guidelines. 3.3 Updating the specification sheets The BioEcoOcean project supported several online workshops with each BioEco EOV to update the specification sheets, ensuring the information was both relevant and clearly Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 17 presented. In some cases, additional input was obtained from other experts, which is reflected in the list of authors on the specification sheets. To further improve clarity and ensure the content was appropriate for ocean observing, the BioEcoOcean project consortium was invited to review the updated specification sheets. Feedback was collected through a structured survey designed to ensure comments were relevant to the content (See Appendix 1). Figure 4. Respondents' main professional activity. As the expertise within the BioEcoOcean project does not cover all BioEco EOVs equally, each reviewer was assigned two specification sheets: one aligned with their area of expertise and an additional sheet to ensure every EOV received feedback. In total, 33 reviews were submitted by 17 respondents, the majority of whom were observers, followed by modellers and researchers (Fig. 4). The BioEcoOcean project organised a joint face-to-face workshop with the GOOS BioEco Panel on February 3-7 2025, in Sopot, Poland (see agenda in Appendix 2). At this workshop, the results from the EOV specification sheets review were discussed and areas for improvement were identified (see D2.2). Over 59% of the reviews by the project consortium found the information clear and sufficient, while fewer than 25% considered it insufficient and provided additional comments (Fig. 5). Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 18 Figure 5. Feedback results from the EOV specification sheet review by the BioEcoOcean project consortium enquiring about the clarity and completion of each section of the specification sheet. The questions of the survey can be found in Appendix 1. Workshop participants found the specification sheets useful and provided some suggestions to the GOOS BioEco Panel for improvement including: • Adding links to global data products that modellers can reference and use. • Ranking observing approaches, prioritising platforms capable of collecting multiple EOVs. • Developing a short course on the EOVs and specification sheets to support earlycareer researchers. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 19 The project consortium’s feedback highlighted the importance of having clearly defined data collection methodologies, as well as the need for guidance on supplementary variables and recommended observing approaches. Discussions during the meeting emphasised the value of developing cross-EOV guidelines and including information to link (related) EOVs between specification sheets, fostering a more integrated approach to ocean observing. The workshop also highlighted the importance of aligning the EOV specification sheets and the BioEcoOcean “Blueprint” (Fig. 6). Figure 6. Alignment between the different sections of the EOV specification sheets and the Blueprint elements. Based on the feedback from the project consortium, the draft specification sheets were revised by the GOOS BioEco Panel and finalised. All updated BioEco EOV specification sheets are now available on the GOOS website for consultation and use (see Appendix 3). This process led to several key advancements: • Two emerging EOVs: Microbe biomass and diversity and Benthic invertebrate abundance and distribution developed draft specification sheets for the first time. • The previously combined EOV for Sea turtles, Marine mammals, and Seabirds abundance and distribution was separated, resulting in individual specification sheets for each group. • The Ocean Sound EOV finalised its full implementation plan, with support from POGO, and provided insights to the other EOV leaders about developing implementation plans. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 20 3.4 Next steps The BioEco EOV specification sheets are currently being updated through an open consultation and expert workshops, aiming to strengthen coordination and standardisation in ocean biology and ecosystem observations, this work is done with support from the BioEcoOcean project. The feedback from the ocean biology and ecosystems research communities on the updated EOV specification sheets is being requested via a survey and through webinars. The process currently underway is the following: 1) A consultation to gather community input for the BioEco EOV specification sheets, open between 8 May and 10 August 2025 (see here). 2) Online workshops for each EOV with key experts will be undertaken from September to November 2025 to finalise the specification sheets. Communication about the updated EOV specification sheets and the benefits of the BioEco EOVs as a framework for coordination for ocean biology and ecosystem observations will be undertaken through a series of webinars between July and December 2025 as a collaboration between GOOS, MBON, Air Centre and the BioEcoOcean project. 4. Conclusions The process of updating the BioEco EOV specification sheets offered an opportunity to revise their structure, improving both clarity and practical utility. For the first time, draft specification sheets were created for the two pilot BioEco EOVs—Microbe biomass and diversity and Benthic invertebrate abundance and distribution—marking a significant advancement in their development. Further progress, including agreement on minimum metadata standards and the creation of FAIR and open data pipelines to OBIS, will enhance the overall maturity of all BioEco EOVs. This update represents an important step toward a more mature and fit-for-purpose global ocean observing system for biology and ecosystems. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 21 References Bax, N. J., Miloslavich, P., Muller-Karger, F. E., Allain, V., Appeltans, W., Batten, S. D., Benedetti-Cecchi, L., Buttigieg, P. L., Chiba, S., Costa, D. P., Duffy, J. E., Dunn, D. C., Johnson, C. R., Kudela, R. M., Obura, D., Rebelo, L.-M., Shin, Y.-J., Simmons, S. E., & Tyack, P. L. 2019. A Response to Scientific and Societal Needs for Marine Biological Observations. Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, 395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00395 Bojinski, S., Verstraete, M., Peterson, T. C., Richter, C., Simmons, A., & Zemp, M. 2014. The Concept of Essential Climate Variables in Support of Climate Research, Applications, and Policy. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 95(9), 1431–1443. https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-13-00047.1 Lindstrom, E., Gunn, J., Fischer, A., McCurdy, A., Glover, L. K., & Members, T. T. 2012. A Framework for Ocean Observing (1st ed.). European Space Agency. https://doi.org/10.5270/OceanObs09-FOO Miloslavich, P., Bax, N. J., Simmons, S. E., Klein, E., Appeltans, W., Aburto-Oropeza, O., Andersen Garcia, M., Batten, S. D., Benedetti-Cecchi, L., Checkley, D. M., Chiba, S., Duffy, J. E., Dunn, D. C., Fischer, A., Gunn, J., Kudela, R., Marsac, F., Muller-Karger, F. E., Obura, D., & Shin, Y.-J. 2018. Essential ocean variables for global sustained observations of biodiversity and ecosystem changes. Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14108 Miloslavich, P., O’Callaghan, J., & al, et. 2024. Ocean Decade Vision 2030 White Papers – Challenge 7: Sustainably Expand the Global Ocean Observing System. UNESCO-IOC. https://doi.org/10.25607/BRXB-KR45 Muller-Karger, F. E., Hwai, A. T. S., & et al. 2024. Ocean Decade Vision 2030 White Papers – Challenge 2: Protect and Restore Ecosystems and Biodiversity. UNESCO-IOC. https://doi.org/10.25607/Y60M-4329 Muller-Karger, F. E., Miloslavich, P., Bax, N. J., Simmons, S. E., Costello, M. J., Sousa-Pinto, I., Pinto, I. S., Canonico, G., Turner, W., Gill, M., Gill, M. J., Montes, E., Best, B. D., Pearlman, J., Halpin, P. N., Dunn, D. C., Benson, A. L., Martin, C. S., Weatherdon, L. V., … Geller, G. N. 2018. Advancing marine biological observations and data requirements of the complementary Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) Frameworks. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00211 Pereira, H. M., Ferrier, S., Walters, M., Geller, G. N., Jongman, R. H. G., Scholes, R. J., Bruford, M. W., Brummitt, N., Butchart, S. H. M., Cardoso, A. C., Coops, N. C., Dulloo, E., Faith, D. P., Freyhof, J., Gregory, R. D., Heip, C., Höft, R., Hurtt, G., Jetz, W., … Wegmann, M. 2013. Essential Biodiversity Variables. Science, 339(6117), 277–278. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1229931 Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 22 Satterthwaite, E. V., Bax, N. J., Miloslavich, P., Ratnarajah, L., Canonico, G., Dunn, D. C., Simmons, S. E., RJ Carini, Carini, R. J., Evans, K., Allain, V., Allain, Allain, V., Appeltans, W., Batten, S. D., Benedetti-Cecchi, L., Bernard, A., Bernard, A. T. F., Bristol, S., … Zivian, A. 2021. Establishing the foundation for the global observing system for marine life. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.737416 Disclosure: AI has been used for language proofing in some parts of the document. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 23 Appendices Appendix 1. Survey questions for feedback on EOV specification sheets The purpose of the survey is to (1) evaluate the clarity of communication on EOVs through the renewed EOV Spec Sheet template, and (2) evaluate the usefulness of the content with respect to user expectations. [Brief explanation of EOVs provided] Instructions: Please read the specification sheet before providing feedback. Please read the “Guide on how to use the EOV specification sheets” to help you navigate and understand the information provided in the template. 1. Are you a (select from the list): • Observer • Modeller • Science communicator • Data manager • Policy/decision maker • Other ___ what? 2. What primary information do you expect to find in an EOV specification sheet? (free text) 3. What EOVs are you reviewing? (select from the list) LIST OF EOVs 4. What EOV spec sheet are you reviewing first? (choose one from list) LIST OF EOVs 5. Does the BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION section provide the needed high-level information about the importance of observing this specific EOV? • Yes • No —- why not? • Can be improved — explain 6. Does SECTION 1. EOV INFORMATION provide clear guidance on the main measurements (sub-variables) and supplementary measurements (supporting variables) needed to observe this EOV on a global scale? Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 24 • Yes • No —- why not? • Other ______ 7. SECTION 2. PHENOMENA TO OBSERVE includes examples of processes, events or phenomena that can be captured by the EOV measurements specified in Table 1. The table includes information to describe the spatial/temporal extent of these phenomena and the resolutions needed to observe them. (Please see the guide to understand the information provided in each field of this table). Are the example phenomena in this table relevant to the EOV and the information to describe the phenomena clear? • Yes they are relevant to the EOV and the phenomena are clearly described • They are relevant to the EOV but the information to describe the phenomena is not clear • No they are not relevant to the EOV but the phenomena are described clearly • They are neither relevant nor clearly described • There should be other phenomena listed here instead. *If so, which ones? Any comments? 8. SECTION 3. GOOS OBSERVING SPECIFICATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS provides guidance on creating a long-term system to observe the EOV and capture key phenomena related to the EOV. There should be one table per measurement (sub-variable) (Please see the guide to understand the information provided in each field in the table). Do the tables provide clear and sufficient guidance on each measurement and the scales needed to observe, including units of measurements where appropriate? • Yes they provide clear and sufficient information • No, they are not clear and more information is needed • I don’t know Comments / Is there other essential information you think should be included here? If so, what type? 9. SECTION 4. OBSERVING APPROACHES provides information on the different observing approaches/technologies used to collect information on the EOV globally. While the list is non-exhaustive, in your view, are the approaches included in the table are the most known, feasible to implement globally and providing the most impactful information? • Yes • No, what approach or approaches are missing?__ 10. If you are an expert on this EOV, are there any other methods or approaches not listed that you think should be included? If so, please provide a reference. Deliverable 2.3 Updated EOV specification sheets 25 • Yes, which one ____ • No • I don’t know Please provide reference or any additional comments 11. Section 5 provides information on how to contribute DATA AND METADATA to GOOS. Are the instructions clear on how you would submit metadata and data to the system (ODIS and OBIS)? • Yes • No Do you have any comments on the Data and Metadata section? 12. Are there any references that you think should be included in the specification sheet? • Yes (please include the references and the relevant section in the comments) • No Comments Please provide the references