Following the model successfully employed by GOOS to develop and run global ocean physics observations over the last two decades, the GOOS Steering Committee is in the process of forming two new Panels - GOOS Biology and Ecosystems, and GOOS Biogeochemistry. The role of these panels will be guiding extension of global ocean observation systems to include essential biological, ecosystem and biogeochemistry variables. An enhanced information base across this range of ocean system components is seen as an essential contribution towards critical policy development and management decisions on ocean and coastal resource sustainability and health. The European Commission's FP7 GEOWOW (www.geowow.eu) Project is also working towards this goal to define and improve access to EOV information through improved data management of ocean observations under GEOSS (www.earthobservations.org). As GOOS develops the two new Panels, we are seeking advice from technical experts in these fields, to assist with the identification of: â?¢ major scientific & societal challenges that require sustained ocean biology & ecosystem variable observations; â?¢ candidate ecosystem Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs); â?¢ the role of GOOS in regional co-ordination of data collection; and â?¢ monitoring activities & projects to practically implement the biological and, biogeochemistry recommendations in the GOOS Framework for Ocean Observing (FOO) & the Panel for Integrated Coastal Observation (PICO) Plan. This Workshop is jointly funded by the European Commission's FP7 GEOWOW Project, IOC/UNESCO and the Australian Government.