SOCIB is formally accredited as an IODE Associate Data Unit

Infographic: Representation of SOCIB’s multiplatform system for ocean observation, forecasting, and data management. Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB).

The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (ICTS SOCIB) has been officially accredited as an Associate Data Unit (ADU) by the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) programme of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. This prestigious recognition places SOCIB among a select group of international institutions that comply with IODE’s rigorous requirements for data quality, long-term stewardship, and open sharing.

“This is a major milestone that reflects SOCIB’s long-standing commitment to open science, international best practices, and the FAIR data principles — Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable,” notes Joaquín Tintoré, director of SOCIB.

SOCIB operates a multi-platform ocean observing, forecasting, and data management system, primarily focused on the Balearic Sea and the Western Mediterranean. The open access SOCIB Metocean Data Repository includes a broad range of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), provided in near real-time from in situ platforms such as gliders, HF radar, moorings, Argo profilers and surface drifting buoys, research vessel, videomonitoring system, as well as numerical model outputs.

Since being established as an ADU in 2017, SOCIB has followed a strategic roadmap towards full accreditation, aligning its operations with IODE standards and procedures. Key milestones along this journey include:

• Adherence to the EuroGOOS Data Policy, which is the European implementation of the IOC/IODE Data Policy and Terms of Use (2023).
• CoreTrustSeal certification (2022), demonstrating long-term preservation and FAIR data practices.
• Submission of the IODE NODCs and ADUs biannual survey (2024) to cover the status of the IODE network.
• Active participation in IODE international reporting and submission of several metadata to SeaDataNet, including Common Data Index (CDI) and Cruise Summary Reports (CSR), and to the Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue (ODISCat) of IODE (2018). 
• Development of Data Management Plans for several SOCIB platforms following the IOC guidelines.
• Implementation of Quality Control Procedures aligned with best practices, international standards, and recognised guidelines.

This accreditation reinforces SOCIB’s role as a reliable contributor to the global ocean data ecosystem, supporting major international initiatives such as EMODnet and the Copernicus Marine Service, and ensuring alignment with the emerging needs and challenges of Digital Twin of the Ocean (DITTO) initiatives.

By meeting IODE’s high standards, SOCIB strengthens its commitment to scientific excellence, transparency, and international cooperation for advancing ocean knowledge and promoting sustainable ocean governance.