The EMB congratulates the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Secretariat on their official inauguration today in Ostend. EMODnet is a network of organizations working together to make existing marine data resources freely available through the internet and accessible to a wide range of users, facilitating investment in sustainable coastal and offshore activities. Today, Dr Niall McDonough, the Head of the European Marine Board Secretariat, will participate in the inauguration ceremony and present on the topic of a European Ocean Observing System. The EMB has been an active supporter of the EMODnet concept since its proposal in 2006 within the EC Green Paper on maritime policy. At the 1st EMB Open Forum in May 2008 marine science, policy and industry representatives tackled the challenges of marine data transfer from observation to information. The forum message was further developed in collaboration with EuroGOOS (the European Global Ocean Observing System) through a vision document on EMODnet (Sept. 2008), as well as two open statements in response to the European Commission consultations, Roadmap for EMODnet (June 2009) and Marine Knowledge 2020 (Dec. 2012). Vision of EMODnet is also promoted in a highly regarded EMB Navigating the Future IV position paper (June 2013). The EMB is delighted to see the EMODnet take the next step in its development by opening a Secretariat to centrally coordinate all of the different EMODnet activities and thematic sub-portals. We wish them every success in their work!