Biogeochemical time-series programs were established to study long-term processes such as climate-driven changes in biogeochemistry, community structure, ecosystem changes and natural or anthropogenic changes in the ocean carbon cycle. They provide the oceanographic community with the multi-year, high-quality data needed for characterizing ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem variability, and represent one of the most valuable tools scientists have to characterize and quantify ocean carbon fluxes and their associated links to changing climate.

Time series sites, especially those that require ship-operations, are expensive and require long-term national and international commitments. Showing that these time-series sites contribute to a larger international network of time series stations can help justify the investments that nations are making in these projects. It is also critical to maintain and improve synergies among sites, to facilitate research proposals utilizing the established facilities and to maximize the use of these platforms and the information they produce. The IOCCP, together with partner programs and organizations, works to develop a web-based global network of biogeochemical time-series (mainly shipboard) that includes detailed information about location, parameters being measured and methods being used at each time series. It also provides resources, coordination and a communication forum for the time series community.