A geonetwork-based catalogue for marine data management

Abstract With the growing complexity and frequency of oceanic sampling, more efficient systems are needed to manage the information. Developing robust infrastructures that facilitate the search and access to oceanographic data becomes essential to ensure effective use of information — meaning its integration, interoperability, and reuse across research and operational contexts — as well as to promote collaboration and interoperability among organizations. In this context, the concept of geoportals as human-machine interfaces emerges as one of the key solutions for accessing and disseminating spatial data. The Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), as part of the National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC) network, has adopted open-source solutions such as GeoNetwork to develop a standardized metadata repository that adheres to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). This approach has enabled IEO to organize and present an extensive catalogue of multidisciplinary oceanographic data, supporting data discovery, integration, and global exchange. The implementation of proper hierarchization mechanisms has improved search capabilities, allowing users (individuals or data hubs) to efficiently access marine datasets for research and applications. Furthermore, the cataloguing of ocean data at IEO plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), demonstrating the impact of structured data management on environmental policies and ocean governance.