The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of European organisations working together to observe the oceans, to make the collected marine data freely available and interoperable, to create seamless data layers across sea-basins and to distribute the data and data products through the Internet. The primary aim of EMODnet is to unlock existing but fragmented and hidden marine data and make them accessible for a wide range of users including private bodies, public authorities and researchers.
Marijn Rabaut is trained as a marine biologist/scientist at the University of Ghent and holds a PhD in Science from the same university (2009). As a high level marine policy advisor/negotiator, he has contributed to a wide range of projects with a science-policy nexus. Marijn was the driving force behind the legally binding Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) in Belgium (royal decree of 2014), he has been involved in fisheries related research and policy, in marine protected areas, aquaculture, in offshore wind energy, blue growth, shipping, sustainable development etc. Since 2016 he works as an independent expert and he is associated with Seascape Belgium since July 2018. For Seascape Belgium, Marijn Rabaut acts as a strategic advisor for business development and supports selected activities by providing high-level added value in innovation projects, negotiation processes, environmental diplomacy, MSP and policy advice. Marijn has over 90 publications (as author and co-author) and contributed to a range of Laws and Royal Decrees. He is an excellent communicator and is experienced in presenting both science and policy related topics (in national and international contexts). Dr. Rabaut speaks English, French and Dutch fluently and speaks Spanish considerably.