Scientific Rigor
Observations follow structured data schemas grounded in the field methodologies developed by Mar Sustentable over years of research in the Mexican Caribbean.
Our Story
From Cozumel's reefs to open biodiversity data
BiodiversityOS was born from years of field research in the Mexican Caribbean — open infrastructure to map and protect marine life.
Our Mission
Open infrastructure for marine biodiversity data
BiodiversityOS provides open infrastructure for marine biodiversity data — starting with shark observations in the Mexican Caribbean and designed to grow through community participation.
The platform is built on field research by Mar Sustentable, whose work in the Mexican Caribbean has used fishers' Local Ecological Knowledge alongside geospatial tools since 2015. BiodiversityOS makes that research approach scalable and open.
Our Journey
A decade of field research
2015
Field Research Begins
Mar Sustentable initiates shark documentation research in Holbox, Mexico. The approach combines fishers' Local Ecological Knowledge with geospatial methods to document shark diversity and habitat use.
2021
Research Expands to Cozumel Region
Field research extends to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Club de los Tiburones México launches with Save Our Seas Foundation support, bringing shark conservation education to students across Latin America and the Caribbean.
2018–present
Science Outreach
Mar Sustentable produces educational content on marine biodiversity, reaching communities across the region with science communication grounded in ongoing field research.
Now
BiodiversityOS
Open data infrastructure built on top of this fieldwork — interactive maps, structured sighting records, and community data submission to make marine biodiversity research accessible and collaborative.
Our Values
The principles that guide what we build
Ocean First
The platform exists to serve conservation. Every design decision prioritizes the usefulness and reliability of marine biodiversity data over growth metrics.
Community Knowledge
Fishers, divers, and local observers hold ecological knowledge that formal research often misses. BiodiversityOS is designed to recognize and integrate these contributions.
Open Access
Biodiversity observations collected through the platform are openly accessible for research, conservation planning, and public understanding.
Attribution
Contributors receive credit for their observations. Proper attribution is built into the data model — not an afterthought.
Long-Term Thinking
Biodiversity records should outlast any single organization or funding cycle. The platform is designed with data permanence and accessibility as core requirements.
Research Foundation
Built on verified field research
Mar Sustentable
Primary Research PartnerMarine conservation organization leading field research in the Mexican Caribbean since 2015, using fishers' Local Ecological Knowledge and geospatial methods.
Club de los Tiburones México
Education & OutreachShark conservation education program launched in 2021 with Save Our Seas Foundation support. Reached students across 10+ countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Explore the Platform
Access the interactive map, report a sighting, or learn about the species documented in the Mexican Caribbean.