The InternationalOceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) system hasbeen established in 1961 by the IntergovernmentalOceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).
IODE's main objective is to enhance marine research, exploration, and development by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States.
 | The IODE system is composed of a network of more than 60 oceanographic data centres in as many countries around the world. They are called National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC) or Designated National Agencies (DNA). Some of these assume special responsibilities for regions, certain data types etc (Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centres). The NODCs, DNAs and RNODCs submit their data to the World Data Centres (WDCs) (Oceanography), located in Silver Spring, USA, Obninsk (Russian Federation) and Tianjin (China). These WDCs are members of the ICSU World Data Centres. |
With the advance of oceanography from ascience dealing mostly with local processes to one which is also studying oceanbasin and global processes, researchers depend critically on the availability ofan international exchange system to provide data and information from allavailable sources. Additionally, scientists studying local processes benefitsubstantially from access to data collected by other Member States in their areaof interest. The economic benefit of obtaining data by exchange as opposed tocollecting it oneself is huge.
The success of the IODE programme depends on the support of participating MemberStates, and the involvement of many individual institutions and marinescientists, who contribute not only data, but also the necessary expertise tomaintain and further develop the IODE system. Without this national supportfunded by the Member States themselves, the system could not exist.