IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management (2013-2016)
The most recent version of the strategic plan (2013-2016) was adopted by the IOC Assembly at its 27th Session (2013) through Decision IOC-XXVII/Dec. 5.3.4 (International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE).
The IOC Data and Information Management Strategy is for all data collected in IOC programmes. The vision is for
“A comprehensive and integrated ocean data and information system, serving the broad and diverse needs of IOC Member States, for both routine and scientific use.”
The concept of delivering a data and information service for the “global ocean commons” (i.e. global public good) is central to this vision. The objectives of the Strategy are to:
Facilitate and promote the exchange of oceanographic data and information in compliance with the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy;
Deliver a comprehensive distributed data system that can receive data collected by all IOC programmes and projects, as well as other marine science programmes, and deliver them in a uniform and transparent way to all users; and
Deliver a system that can collect bibliographic and factual information from all IOC programmes, as well as other marine science programmes, and projects and deliver them in a uniform and transparent way to all users.
Assembled, quality controlled and archived data on a diverse range of variables according to scientifically sound and well-documented standards and formats;
Timely dissemination of data on a diverse range of variables (observations and model outputs) both on real-time and delayed modes depending on the needs of user groups and their technical capabilities (automatic dissemination as well as “on demand”); and
Easy discovery and access to data and information on a diverse range of variables and derived products (including forecasts, alerts and warnings) by users who have a broad range of capabilities.
Adhere to the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy;
Ensure the long-term archival, management and services of oceanographic data and information;
Recommended standards and best practice for management and exchange of oceanographic data;
Acceptance and implementation of a set of interoperability arrangements, including technical specifications for collecting, processing, storing, and disseminating shared data, metadata and products;
Discovery, access and retrieval of data from IOC programmes, as well as from programmes and organizations collaborating with IOC, through the Ocean Data Portal (ODP), OceanDocs and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) ;
Continued development of Ocean Data and Information Networks (ODINs) backed up by OceanTeacher as a capacity building tool, whilst extending OceanTeacher through cooperation with JCOMM and others as appropriate;
Development of appropriate metrics to help evaluate the data and information system;
Provide the crucial link between data, information and the dissemination of knowledge through the management of marine information by marine librarians;
Facilitate proper citation of datasets by providing all the required elements of a citation including a persistent identifier (an unambiguous, unchanging reference); and
Governance by an Advisory Group represented by experts nominated by the governing bodies of IOC programmes.
The IOC Data and Information Management system resulting from this strategy will deliver:
The IOC Data and Information system will provide seamless access to the real-time and delay-mode oceanographic data and services across all IOC and related programmes, handling data from the point of collection, through processing and quality control, to archival and dissemination. The IODE developed Ocean Data Portal (ODP) will facilitate the exchange and dissemination of data and services from these systems and will be a key component to deliver the objectives of the IOC Data and Information Strategy. Data, metadata and information will be fully interoperable with the WMO Information System (WIS) and the ODP will function as a WIS Data Collection or Production Centre (DCPC) providing oceanographic data and services.
To ensure its success, the IOC Data and Information Strategy must achieve strong awareness, involvement, acceptance and recognition within and between IOC programmes, and with IOC partners. Efficient communication and outreach remain key elements of the Strategy. Information about the IOC Data and Information Strategy, its development, data and information centres, standards, and implementation progress must be made available in an easy to understand form. By reaching out and serving user communities (scientists, policy makers, managers, educators, students, industries and businesses) will make data and information, including derived products, easily discoverable and accessible, so they can be used in the most efficient and user-friendly way.
The IODE capacity development strategy, implemented as Ocean Data and Information Networks or ODIN, provides a cost-effective and sustainable model for capacity building at the regional level.ODINs develop networks for managing and exchanging oceanographic data and information within the regions including contributing to ocean sciences, operational oceanography development and integrated coastal management and disaster reduction programmes at the regional level. ODINs also contribute to improving the provision of oceanographic data and information products and services to different users by sharing of expertise, knowledge transfer and capacity building and aim to become useful platforms for other IOC programmes. It is recommended to utilize the ODIN model as the capacity building mechanism for the IOC Data and Information Management Strategy.
The major elements of the Strategy are:
The greatest challenge to be faced in developing and implementing the IOC Data and Information Management Strategy is one of coordination and cooperation among Member States, partners and user communities. There are currently still major barriers to the efficient use and re-use of data, i.e. Open Data, and to overcome these, and make the best use of the new technologies available, a culture change is required. The information technology required to meet most of the requirements of the strategy, whilst challenging, can be developed from existing capabilities through relatively straightforward software engineering. But the strategy will only succeed if all participants actively use the data and metadata standards, communications protocols, software, and policies that will knit the parts into a fully integrated system.
Note: information on the previous version of the Strategic Plan (2008-2011) can be found here
The IOC Assembly, at its 32nd Session (June 2023) adopted the IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management (2023-2029) through IOC Decision A-32/3.4.2 (SECTION II, see below) following a recommendation by the IODE Committee at its 27th Session (March 2023) (Recommendation IODE-XXVII.6.2).
The strategy has been published as IOC Manuals and Guides No. 92.
The IOC strategy for Ocean Data and Information Management has been regularly developed and published in the IOC Manuals and Guides series since 2008. In 2017, the IOC Strategic Plan 2017–2021 provided a vision and concept for delivering an ocean data and information service for the “global ocean commons”.
In 2021, the IODE Committee, at its 26th Session, called for the revision of the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management taking into account important developments within and outside IOC such as the IOC Medium-Term Strategy (2022–2029), and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) as well as the developments in data technology that offers new opportunities.
The Assembly adopted IOC Decision A-32/3.4.2 on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange which includes under II:
II – The IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management (2023–2029)
Having examined the proposal contained in document IOC/A-32/3.4.2.Doc(1),
Recalling Decision IOC-XXIX/6.2.2 which adopted the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management (2017–2021) and also agreed that the Plan should be regularly reviewed and revised by the IODE Committee,
Recalling further Decision IODE-XXVI.6.3 (Establishment of an inter-sessional working group to revise the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management (2017-2021)),
Recognizing that IODE has developed a global network of National Oceanographic Data Centres, Associate Data Units, Associate Information Units and related networks, representing a considerable pool of expertise in data and information management and sharing, and that many IOC Member States have developed distributed networks of data management facilities involving IODE, as well as other centres, to deal with a wide variety of ocean observations,
Considering that the vision of the IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management (2023–2029) is to achieve a comprehensive and integrated ocean data and information system, serving the broad and diverse needs of IOC Member States, for management, policy-making and scientific use,
Considering further that the objectives of the IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management for 2023-2029 are to deliver:
interoperable, quality-controlled data on a diverse range of variables: (i) generated according to scientifically and operationally sound methods; and (ii) persistently archived in well-documented, globally applicable standards and formats;
timely dissemination of data on a diverse range of variables (generated from observations and model outputs) both in real-time and delayed modes depending on the needs of user groups and their technical capabilities ("on demand" as well as automatically scheduled); and
easy discovery and access to data and information about a diverse range of variables and derived products (including forecasts, alerts and warnings) in a way that is user friendly for a wide variety of users.
Endorses the IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management (2023-2029) as given in document IOC/A-32/3.4.2.Doc(1),
Agrees that the Plan should be:
published and distributed widely and used as a basic data strategy throughout the programmes and projects of the IOC, and
regularly reviewed and revised by the IODE Committee, in close consultation with all IOC programmes
------ PREVIOUS VERSIONS -----
The previous strategic plan (2017-2021) was adopted by the IOC Assembly at its 29th Session (2017) through Decision IOC-XXIX/Dec. 6.2.2 .
The IOC Data and Information Management Strategy is for all data collected in IOC programmes. The vision is to achieve: “A comprehensive and integrated ocean data and information system, serving the broad and diverse needs of IOC Member States, for both management and scientific use.”. The IOC Data and Information System will provide seamless access to the real-time and delayed-mode oceanographic data and services across all IOC and related programmes, handling data from the point of collection, through processing and quality control, to archival and dissemination.
The IOC Data and Information Management system resulting from this strategy will deliver:
(i) assembled, quality controlled and archived data on a diverse range of variables according to scientifically sound and well-documented standards and formats, (ii) timely dissemination of data on a diverse range of variables (observations and model outputs) both on real-time and delayed modes depending on the needs of user groups and their technical capabilities (automatic dissemination as well as “on demand”), and (iii) easy discovery and access to data and information on a diverse range of variables and derived products (including forecasts, alerts and warnings) by users who have a broad range of capabilities.
The objectives of the IOC Strategic Plan for Data and Information Management for 2017–2021 are to:
(i) facilitate and promote the exchange of oceanographic data and information in compliance with the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy, (ii) deliver a comprehensive distributed data system that can receive data collected by all IOC programmes and projects and deliver them in a uniform and transparent way to all users, (iii) deliver a system that can collect bibliographic and factual information from all IOC programmes and projects and deliver them in a uniform and transparent way to all users, and (iv) ensure alignment with, and contribution to, both the IOC’s Medium-Term Strategy 2014–2021, and with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, in particular the dedicated sustainable development goal for the ocean (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development),
Note: information on the previous version of the Strategic Plan (2013-2017) can be found here
Note: information on the previous version of the Strategic Plan (2008-2011) can be found here
In 2007 the IOC Assembly adopted the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management . The vision of this Plan is to establish a "comprehensive and integrated ocean data and information system, serving the broad and diverse needs of IOC Member States, for both routine and scientific use". Summarized to its essence, the Strategy will "develop a system that provides access to data and information collected by all IOC Programmes and Projects in a uniform and transparent way to all users". IODE (IOC’s International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange programme) and JCOMM’s (Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology) Data Management Coordination Group will coordinate the implementation of the Strategic Plan. HAIS will be a component of this integrated system.
Worldwide there are approximately 5000 known species of microalgae which make up the phytoplankton. Of these, some 300 species have been reported to have harmful effects on the ecosystem or on the human use of the ecosystem when the population of such a species reaches a certain size.
A distinction must be drawn between large biomass blooms and toxin producing algae. Large biomass blooms can cause problems by restricting light to macroalgae and seagrasses or when the bloom declines and oxygen is consumed during the breakdown of the cells leading to deoxygenation of the water and fish mortality. Noctiluca is one of the organisms that causes this problem, large blooms of which result in ‘red tides.’ Some species such as Phaeocystis also produce foam or scum which can accumulate on beaches, create unpleasant smells or clog fishing nets. Toxin producing algae produce toxins which can accumulate in shellfish or in other marine animals. If eaten these can cause human health problems and in severe cases death. Examples include species of Dinophysis which produce toxins causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and species of Alexandrium which produce toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning. Shellfish such as mussels can become toxic when there are only very low concentrations of algae (a few hundred cells per litre) in the water. Species of the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid, which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning.
The last two decades have been marked by a new appreciation of the serious impacts of the phenomena we now refer to as harmful algal blooms (HABs). These occurrences of toxic or harmful microalgae represent a significant and seemingly expanding threat to human health, fishery resources, tourism and marine ecosystems throughout the world. Many causes, both natural and anthropogenic, may be responsible for this dramatic expansion in HAB effects; it is likely that increased human exploitation of coastal areas is making the problems more evident and in some cases worsening it through, for example, increased nutrient inputs, transportation and discharge of ballast waters.
Given that HAB problems may be expanding, what can be done about them in a practical sense? What is needed for efficient management of affected marine ecosystems that simultaneously protects public and ecosystem health, encourages and supports aquaculture development, and contributes to policy decisions on coastal zone issues such as wastewater disposal, aquaculture development, and dredging? What research and monitoring should be conducted to determine the extent to which human activities may contribute to making the HAB problem worse and what steps should be taken to minimize further impacts? The answers to these important practical questions, and the research needed to provide them, require easy access to reliable existing data, information, and experience.
This meeting was attended by IODE (F. Hernandez, S. Konovalov, G. Moncoiffe), HAB (Catherine Belin, Oejvind Moestrup, Adriana Zingone) and OBIS (Edward Vanden Berghe) expert.
As a result of the meeting a document has been prepared that describes the vision, structure and
partnerships for an international information system on the occurrence,
impacts, identification, and monitoring of marine and brackish water
planktonic and benthic microalgae perceived as harmful by humans.
The Task Team and the involved organizations acknowledge with
appreciation the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration/National Ocean Service, the Government of Flanders and
the United Kingdom for their financial support without which the
initiation of an International Harmful Algal Information System would
not have been possible.
The Objectives of the IODE Programme have been revised last by the IODE Committee during its 22nd Session (2013):
Recommendation IODE-XXII.15
THE IODE OBJECTIVES
The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,
Recalling the revision of the IODE objectives through Recommendation IODE-XVIII.1 and Recommendation IODE-XXI.4,
Noting the importance of including the ocean research and observation community as key stakeholders of the IODE,
Noting further the importance of providing societal benefits through appropriate data services and products,
Recommendsthat the Objectives of the IODE Programme be modified as follows:
(i)To facilitate and promote the discovery, exchange of, and access to, marine data and information including metadata, products and information in real-time, near real time and delayed mode, through the use of international standards, and in compliance with the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy for the ocean research and observation community and other stakeholders;
(ii)To encourage the long term archival, preservation, documentation, management and services of all marine data, data products, and information;
(iii)To develop or use existing best practices for the discovery, management, exchange of, and access to marine data and information, including international standards, quality control and appropriate information technology;
(iv)To assist Member States to acquire the necessary capacity to manage marine research and observation data and information and become partners in the IODE network;
(v)To support international scientific and operational marine programmes, including the Framework for Ocean Observing for the benefit of a wide range of users.
In the "IOC Strategic Plan for oceanographic data and information management (2008-2011)" it is stated that, "in order to provide a coherent yet open ended governance system for the IOC’s data and information management system, it is proposed to establish an 'IOC Data and Information Management Advisory Group'. This body will bring together the various programme elements of IOC (GOOS, IODE, tsunami, HAB, Ocean Carbon, ICAM, Capacity Development, GOOS GRAs, IODE ODINs,…) as well as of bodies and organizations collaborating closely with IOC (JCOMM, WMO, ICES, ICSU WDCs Oceanography,…). Its main objective and
responsibility will be to oversee the implementation of this Strategy".
The Group serves two purposes: (i) to guide IODE
towards the development of integrated data management and
multi-disciplinary data bases, and (ii) to provide a link between IODE
and other organizations, including science groups.
The Strategic Plan was adopted by the 24th Session of the IOC Assembly (2007) through Resolution XXIV-9 (see below).
The Group was established in June 2008. It is composed of representatives from the following programmes and bodies:
The detailed membership of the Group can be consulted HERE
During its 41st Session the IOC Executive Council further requested the Executive Secretary in future, in
the preparation of the operational plan, for every project that IOC
undertakes, and that has impact on data and information, the budgetary
implications be identified together with a clear description of the
expected outcomes from IODE.
Resolution XXIV-9
IOC STRATEGIC PLAN FOR OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA
AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission,
Recalling:
(i) Resolution XX-4 requesting IODE to work in concert with JCOMM and GOOS to develop a comprehensive ocean data management system and Resolution EC-XXV.2 which established a Task Team on the development of a unified, omprehensive IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information
Management
(ii) Resolution XXII-6 which adopted the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy
(iii) Resolution XXIII-4 which revised the objectives of the IODE, including “to support international scientific and operational marine programmes of IOC and WMO and their sponsor organizations with advice and data management services” and
(iv) Resolution 4 of JCOMM-II which, inter alia, invited IODE to participate in the work of the JCOMM Data Management Programme Area,
Recognizing that:
(i) the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy is compatible with other international relevant data-exchange policies that promote free and open access to data, such as WMO Resolution 40
(ii) IODE has developed a global network of National Oceanographic Data Centres, information centres and related networks, representing a considerable pool of expertise in data and information management and sharing
(iii) many IOC Member States have developed national distributed networks of data management facilities involving IODE, as well as other centres, to deal with a wide variety of ocean observations
(iv) IOC and WMO have established close, efficient and effective collaboration in ocean data management
(v) the IOC Committee for IODE and JCOMM have established a number of joint mechanisms to advance ocean data management,
Considering that the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management 2008–2011 contains the following main elements:
(i) a vision for “a comprehensive and integrated ocean data and information system, serving the broad and diverse needs of IOC Member States, for both routine and scientific use”
(ii) an objective to develop a system that can receive data and information collected by all IOC programmes and projects and deliver them to users
(iii) adherence to the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy
(iv) acceptance and implementation of agreed interoperability arrangements, including technical standards and specifications for processing, quality control, storing and disseminating shared data and information
(v) a global network of data centres and related national distributed networks, and permanent long-term data-archiving centre(s) for all data, which operate to agreed standards, providing seamless access to data and information
(vi) capacity-building through continued development of Ocean Data and Information Networks (ODINs), whilst extending the OceanTeacher capacity-building tool through cooperation through JCOMM, and more widely with WMO and others as appropriate
(vii) an advisory group that brings together the various programme elements of IOC as well as of bodies and organizations collaborating closely with IOC,
Endorses the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management 2008–2011 as given in document IOC-XXIV/2 Annex 7;
Agrees that the Plan should be:
(i) Published and distributed widely and used as a basic data strategy throughout the Programmes and Projects of the IOC; and
(ii) Regularly reviewed and revised by the IODE Committee, in close consultation with the IOC Data and Information Management Advisory Group