Ocean time-series are one of the most valuable tools we have to monitor climate and marine ecosystem changes. The IOC in cooperation with the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project (IOCCP) and the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry Programme (OCB) are starting a new initiative to increase the intercomparability of shipboard biogeochemical long term observations, so called ocean time-series. To achieve this goal we are compiling metadata of existing time series around the world. Under this perspective we asking for support to expand the list of time series and want to encourage the scientific community to join the growing network.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOC-UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

In November 2012, IOCCP and the OCB jointly organized an International Time-Series Methods Workshop, with the support of the IOC through the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) within the framework of the Ocean Carbon Sources and Sinks project. The workshop convened representatives from 33 shipboard biogeochemical time-series sites to review current methodologies being used at the sites, with the aim of standardizing sampling and analytical protocols for key biogeochemical parameters being measured across sites. A key outcome of this workshop is the initiation of an international network of shipboard biogeochemical time-series sites.

In collaboration with the workshop organizers, the IOC is compiling metadata from additional shipboard biogeochemical time-series sites, not represented at the workshop. This compilation will facilitate better coordination, communication, and data intercomparability among time-series. To help us achieve these goals, we need the support of the scientific community to:

• Spread the word about our coordination efforts, and
• Expand the list of participating time-series sites (see map above).

We encourage all biogeochemical shipboard time-series site representatives to join this growing network.

For more information and/or to obtain a metadata form for your time-series site(s), please contact us Kirsten Isensee (k.isensee(a)unesco.org) and Luis Valdes (jl.valdes(a)unesco.org) with copy to Heather Benway (OCB, hbenway(a)whoi.edu) and Laura Lorenzoni (IOCCP time-series representative, laural(a)marine.usf.edu).