ICES Oceanographic Data Policy

ICES Data Policy was adopted in 1994, in response to the wishes of data suppliers, the ICES Working Group on Marine Data Management, and the needs of ICES Working Groups. Please see the Data Policy in its entirety for more details as well as information on specific Environmental and Fisheries policies.

The main principles for access to Oceanographic data are outlined below. They aim to promote good science and respect the ideals of IOC’s International Oceanographic Data Exchange Programme (IODE), while providing as much flexibility as possible.

• All data more than 10 years old are publicly available.
• For data less than 10 years old, ICES respects the wishes of the data supplier. While most data suppliers grant unrestricted access, some grant access only on a case-by-case basis.
• Data are made available free of charge for bona fide scientific users, especially if the scientific use is of ICES interest. However ICES retains the right to make a nominal charge in certain circumstances.
• ICES reserves the right to withhold data from requesters who own but do not contribute data.
• All users of ICES data are requested to report any data errors and/or corrections to ICES.
• Requests for the preparation of products such as maps and gridded means may exact a charge.
• Project Data sets abide by the rules of the Project foremost. This normally involves a moratorium on public access of up to 2 years.
• Cruise information (ROSCOP etc) has no restictions of use.