The Decade Coordination Office (DCO) for Ocean Data Sharing (ODS) was launched on the 1st of June 2023 by Lead Manager Jan-Bart Calewaert, as part of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO’s efforts under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. As of February 2025, leadership has transitioned to Dr. Adam Leadbetter, the new Lead Manager, marking the start of the new operational phase of the DCO-ODS.

Hosted by the International Oceanographic Information and Data Exchange of IOC (IODE), the Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing acts as sub-unit of the central Decade Coordination Unit to catalyse and coordinate Decade Actions falling under its scope, assist decade actors with data and information challenges and opportunities, promote cooperation amongst UN and Member State partners, monitor progress, communicate on achievements and mobilise resources.