From 14-25 June, the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO held its 31st Session (virtually). IOC’s 150 Member States took stock of progress in global ocean research and the implementation of the Ocean Decade, setting IOC forward on a new medium-term strategic framework.

New open access ocean data and information repository available for the global ocean science community.

The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO was established in 1961. Its purpose is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development, by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products.

Around 500 ocean observations and data management experts gathered virtually on 18-30 September 2020 to review the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) and formulate recommendations for its enhancement.

Namibia is hosting this week 17 scientists and technicians from 12 different African countries who are undertaking the practical sessions of a blended training course in methods in quality control, processing, interpretation, and reporting of ocean monitoring data from the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen surveys, which will support such methods harmonisation and standardization among the EAF-Nansen Programme partner countries. 

UNESCO launched the BioEco Portal of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS BioEco Portal) - an online platform that provides information on the sustained ocean observing programs which deliver information about the health of marine life.

The International Ocean Data Conference 2022 – The Data We Need for the Ocean We Want - will be held in Sopot, Poland, between 14-16 February 2022 as a hybrid event.

At the International Ocean Data Conference held on 14-16 February 2022 in Poland, attendees agreed on the need to establish a global ocean digital ecosystem to share and disseminate data and information that will contribute to the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade and beyond. The Conference highlighted the importance of increased efforts in standardization, best practices, interoperability, and networking to achieve this goal.

Corporate author: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

Year of publication: 2022

Type of document: Information Document 

English, French, Spanish, Russian versions available soon

During the week of 22 August 2022, the First IODE Steering Group meeting for the Ocean Data Information System and the Third IODE Steering Group meeting for the Ocean Infohub Project took place at the UNESCO/IOC Project Office for IODE in Oostende, Belgium.