IOCCP Terms of Reference

THE INTERNATIONAL OCEAN CARBON COORDINATION PROJECT

A joint project of Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and an affiliate program of the Global Carbon Project.

Terms of Reference

Approved at the XII Session of the SSG, 6-7 February 2017, Miami, USA

 

The International Ocean Carbon and biogeochemistry Coordination Project (IOCCP) promotes the development of a global network of ocean carbon and biogeochemistry observations, coordinates the development of globally acceptable strategies and provides technical coordination developing operating methodologies, practices and standards, homogenizing efforts of the research community and scientific advisory groups. IOCCP also provides communication services for marine biogeochemistry community as well as advocacy and links to a multidisciplinary sustained global observing system. 

Here we consider the term biogeochemistry to include the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) for Biogeochemistry. These EOVs enable the understanding and quantification of the following phenomena: ocean acidification, ocean deoxygenation, eutrophication, exchanges between the atmosphere, surface ocean and deep ocean, and carbon and nutrient remineralization and sequestration.

  1. Identify priority measurements for implementing GOOS observations of ocean carbon and biogeochemistry, and promote the development and adoption of necessary measurement technologies.

  2. Develop activities that implement the goals and recommendations of international and intergovernmental bodies relevant to IOCCP’s work.

  3. Develop and maintain specifications, implementation goals, and progress metrics for Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) related to ocean carbon and biogeochemistry for GOOS, and corresponding Essential Climate Variables for GCOS.

  4. Promote international agreements on measurement methodologies and best practices, primary and secondary data quality control and quality assurance procedures, data and metadata formats, and development and use of certified reference materials

  5. Coordinate the activities of individual networks and programs to streamline ocean carbon and biogeochemistry measurements.

  6. Facilitate dialogue with stakeholders to implement a scientifically and economically effective, fit-for-purpose observing system.

  7. Develop and support training for users of observing technologies (instruments, sensors, platforms) related to ocean carbon and biogeochemistry.

  8. Promote and develop interoperable data management policies to ensure open access and long-term preservation of well-documented ocean carbon and biogeochemistry data.

  9. Support the integration of ocean carbon and biogeochemistry information into research and assessments, including through data synthesis products (e.g., SOCAT, GLODAP).

  10. Serve as an international communication hub for ocean carbon and biogeochemistry observing activities.

  11. Report to sponsors and the global ocean carbon and biogeochemistry community on IOCCP planning and achievements.

  12. Raise funds to support and implement IOCCP activities.

 

You can also view and download the IOCCP Terms of Reference in PDF format.