The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) has released a revised version of the IOC Manual and Guide No. 99 – Guidelines for an Ocean Project or Programme Data Management Plan, updating the previous 2016 edition.

The document underscores the importance of data management planning for any activity that collects, creates, or acquires ocean data. By ensuring that data are well-preserved, accessible, and properly documented, Data Management Plans (DMPs) support effective analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

A DMP defines how data are handled throughout their lifecycle, covering aspects such as data collection and categorization, storage and processing, analysis, publication and access, archival, reuse, and erasure. The updated guide provides a detailed DMP template to help projects address these elements and consider any related ethical or legal issues.

Find the IOC Manual and Guide No. 99 – Guidelines for an Ocean Project or Programme Data Management Plan: here.

For more information or questions, please contact the IODE Secretariat: info@iode.org.