The scientific programme for the 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) has been officially announced, marking an important milestone for the global marine science community. The event will take place in Bruges, Belgium, from 17 to 20 November 2026, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing the understanding and conservation of marine life.

The opening day, Tuesday, 17 November, will feature two major sessions showcasing the work of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and the Marine Life 2030 Ocean Decade programme, two initiatives central to strengthening coordinated biodiversity observation worldwide.

The morning session, organized by Joana Soares (AIR Centre) and chaired by Frank Muller‑Karger (IMaRS, College of Marine Science, University of South Florida) and Audrey Darnaude (French National Centre for Scientific Research – CNRS (MARBEC)), will focus on Marine Life 2030 and its contribution to UN Ocean Decade Challenge 2: Protect and Restore Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Marine Life 2030 aims to build a globally coordinated system that delivers actionable knowledge on ocean life by uniting technologies, data systems, and scientific communities. The session will highlight the need to expand biodiversity observations and improve data flows to support ecosystem‑based management and conservation.

In the afternoon, Isabel Sousa Pinto (CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto), Frank Muller‑Karger and Joana Soares will host the MBON session on advancing marine biodiversity observations and data management. The discussion will explore how new technologies and data standards are enabling the integration of biological and ecological information into ocean observing systems. It will also showcase progress achieved through collaborations involving MBON, Marine Life 2030, the Global Ocean Observing System, and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.

Both sessions will emphasise the importance of coordinated biodiversity monitoring to inform policy, support sustainable ocean management, and meet global reporting commitments under frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The 7th WCMB promises to be a landmark event for the marine biodiversity community.