The TzNODC is hosted by the University of Dar es salaam, Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) which is located on Zanzibar. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in 1996 nominated IMS to be the Designated National Agency (DNA) taking over from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. The namination was based on the expertise and orientation of IMS.

Immediately after its nomination IMS embarked on capacity building efforts in ocean data and information management. These efforts were supported through the ODINAFRICA project. The aim was to build capacity in both

• Data Management and

• Information Management

After the responsible staffs had undergone intensive training through the ODINAFRICA Programme as well as after IMS had developed and acquired the basic skills and equipment for ocean data and information management, its status was officially upgraded by to full National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC) at a colorful event in December 2002.

Launching of the Tanzania National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC). The Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, Hon. Ambassador Dr Pius Y. Ngw'andu (first standing right in white suite) admiring an animated PowerPoint placard after he pressed a computer button to launch the NODC. Others admiring with Guest of Honor are: (front row from right) next to Minister Ngw'andu is Hon. Harun A. Suleiman, Minister for Education, Culture and Sports (Zanzibar); Hon. Sultan M. Mugheiry, Deputy Minister for Education, Culture and Sports (Zanzibar) and Prof. M. Luhanga, Vice Chancellor, University of Dar Es Salaam. Standing on the rear row (from left) are: Mr. E. Chijoriga, Acting Director General, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology; Prof. Idris Kikula, Principal, University College for Land and Architectural Studies; Mr. Brems Dirk, Attaché for International Co-operation in the Embassy of Belgium; Dr Desiderius CP Masalu, National IODE/ODINAFRICA Coordinator, and a workshop participant.