Despite numerous technological advances in ocean observations over the last several decades, ship-based hydrography remains the only method for obtaining high-quality, high spatial and vertical resolution measurements of a suite of physical, chemical and biological parameters over the full water column.

While many countries have continued their hydrographic observations along key sections, global repeat hydrography has lacked formal organization since the end of WOCE. This situation has led to a lack of visibility of this component in the global observing system and a significant decrease in the number of trans-basin sections carried out by some countries. More importantly, the lack of international agreements for implementation of hydrographic sections has led to disparate data sharing policies, duplication of some sections, and sections being carried out wihtout the full suite of core variables.

Based on community discussions at the OceanObs09 Conference (September 2009), the IOCCP and CLIVAR have agreed to provide support for the development of a sustained repeat hydrography programme, called the Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Programme (GO-SHIP). This initiative was supported by the 3rd Session of JCOMM in November. GO-SHIP will be presented to the IOC Executive Council in June for endorsement.

 For more information about GO-SHIP, visit the website: www.go-ship.org