OMARE, the Marine Observatory of Esposende, is a biodiversity monitoring and information initiative focused on the marine environment of Portugal’s Northern Littoral Natural Park. Its purpose is to regularly provide scientifically supported information about the condition of marine biodiversity, helping inform conservation, management and technical and political decision-making, including work related to the Natura 2000 Network. The project also supports national biodiversity reporting and shares information with the wider community.

OMARE’s online platform brings together resources on marine species and habitats, including species lists, taxonomic browsing, galleries, conservation designations and records of new occurrences. It covers habitat types, human activities such as fishing, tourism and water sports, and resources including scientific publications, legislation, management plans and educational materials. Visitors can also explore interpretive trails, monitoring results, species identification tools and other learning features. Project events include an aerial survey for intertidal habitat mapping and a plankton sampling campaign. By organizing information on species, habitats, ecosystems and their services, OMARE aims to help address knowledge gaps and support effective protection and management of the region’s natural heritage.