In light of the ever-increasing demand for “data-driven” decisions my research will focus on exploring the ways in that conservation policy makers interact with, understand and use different forms of conservation data. My project will focus predominately on conservation in Spain, one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. Currently 28% of Spain’s terrestrial area and 12% of its marine waters have been designated as protected areas (Biodiversity Information System for Europe 2023). The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 has set an ambitious target of achieving 30% protected area coverage by 2030, meaning Spain’s protected area network – particularly its marine network – is set to be expanded significantly in the run up to this deadline. Against this back drop my research will explore the the ways in which conservation datasets travel between actors and will examine the impact of emerging conservation techniques and technologies on both policy and practice.