The ESA-funded Phytodiverse project was presented at the 11th EuroGOOS International Conference, “Stronger Together”, held in Larnaca, Cyprus, from 18–20 May 2026. Representing the project, Artur Palacz (IOPAN, Poland) and Tosca Sala (EMBRC, France) highlighted early progress in developing hyperspectral, satellite-derived indicators of phytoplankton diversity and ecosystem function.
Operating at the intersection of climate and biodiversity research, Phytodiverse showcased how joint European Union (EU) – European Space Agency (ESA) efforts are advancing the integration of in situ observing networks, innovative ocean-colour algorithms and ecosystem modelling to improve our understanding of plankton community structure and its role in biogeochemical fluxes.
With EuroGOOS 2026 focusing on observation innovation, digital integration and addressing the triple planetary crisis, the conference provided an ideal platform to align Phytodiverse with emerging European initiatives, including the European Ocean Pact and the forthcoming OceanEye programme. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen ocean observation as a critical infrastructure for climate action and biodiversity protection.
