A tenet of organizations such as the American Geophysical Union and the Research Data Alliance is that Earth and space science data be open and accessible. It is an integral responsibility of scientists and sponsoring institutions to foster scientific advances, enhance the public's well-being, and contribute to a more informed society. EMUs embody open, accessible data and serve as the basis for a variety of marine spatial research such as ocean conservation and resource management. Through comprehensive 3D analysis, EMUs offer scientists and conservationists better access to knowledge regarding the ecosystems they seek to protect. Readily available physical and chemical composition datasets assist monitoring ocean health and tracking climate change resilience throughout the water column. Use the EMU Explorer to visualize the ocean in 3D to yield valuable insights, such as the impacts of an MPA and whether its reconfiguration merits consideration.
