IGOSS Plan and Implementation Programme, 1996-2003.

Abstract

The Integrated Global Ocean Services System (IGOSS) is the global operational system for collection and exchange of oceanic data and the timely preparation and dissemination of oceanic products and services. IGOSS is an international programme for real-time exchange of ocean data and is planned, developed and co-ordinated jointly by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO) and by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The system consists of national facilities and services provided by the participating Member States of IOC and Members of WMO to share ocean data for mutual benefit. The original concept of IGOSS was that of an Integrated Global Ocean Station System. This system was started in 1967 through the establishment by IOC of a permanent Working Committee for IGOSS and by WMO through the Executive Committee Panel on Meteorological Aspects of Ocean Affairs. Since that time, the objective of the system has shifted towards ocean services and the name changed to reflect this shift Co- operation between IOC and WMO for IGOSS has increased and led to the establishment of the Joint IOC-WMO Committee for IGOSS. A series of General Plans and Implementation Programmes for IGOSS have been developed over the years and the present Plan is for the period 1996 -2003.” The main IOC and WMO resolutions relating to IGOSS are listed in Annex 1.