SeaDataNet

Abstract

SeaDataNet is actively operating and further developing a Pan-European infrastructure for managing, indexing and providing access to ocean and marine data sets and data products, acquired from research cruises and other observational activities in European marine waters and global oceans. It is undertaken by the National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), and marine information services of major research institutes, from 35 coastal states bordering the European seas. Its data centres have the essential capabilities and facilities for data quality control, long term stewardship, retrieval and distribution. Development and provision of standards, services and tools for marine and ocean data management has proven instrumental for wider uptake. This is further encouraged by cooperation and synergy with EU marine research projects, and by adoption of the SeaDataNet infrastructure in the EMODnet (European Marine European Marine Observation and Data Network) development. EMODnet is an initiative in the framework of the EU Marine Directive.