IMDOS is an initiative coordinating the development of a global, interoperable system for marine debris monitoring. It aims to provide standardized data and information for researchers, policymakers, and industry to address plastic pollution in marine, coastal, and terrestrial environments.

About IMDOS — Integrated Marine Debris Observing System

The Integrated Marine Debris Observing System (IMDOS) supports the development of a global, interoperable marine debris monitoring system. This initiative addresses critical knowledge gaps in plastic pollution, providing data and information to the research community, policy and decision-making bodies, and the private sector. IMDOS aims to establish a sustained global observing system by coordinating activities and increasing the readiness level of associated data management systems, targeting operational capacity by 2030.

IMDOS functions through a coordinated approach, bringing together experts and stakeholders to develop common methodologies and data standards. The initiative is structured around several task teams, each focusing on specific aspects of marine debris monitoring, from remote sensing to data harmonization. This collaborative framework facilitates the integration of diverse monitoring efforts across various environmental compartments, including surface waters, seafloor sediments, and beaches.

Key Features of IMDOS

• Global Coordination: Leads efforts to establish a globally coordinated and sustained observing system for marine debris.
• Interoperable Data: Focuses on developing an interoperable system to ensure data compatibility and open access for diverse users.
• Policy and Research Support: Designed to inform research, policy development, and decision-making concerning marine debris, complementing resources like the Plastics Management Index.
• Diverse Task Teams: Operates through specialized groups addressing areas such as Remote Sensing, Surface Litter, Seafloor Litter, Modelling, Beach Litter, Data Harmonization and Management, Design of Monitoring Systems, and Development of Indicators.
• Targeted Operational Capacity: Aims to achieve operational readiness for the global observing system and data management systems by 2030.

Development and Validation

The IMDOS initiative operates under the guidance of a Steering Committee, which actively coordinates activities to achieve its vision. News updates on the IMDOS website document regular meetings of this committee, such as the 2nd Session held in Sopot, Poland. The initiative’s stated mission to provide coordination and guidance to the marine debris community signifies its role as an authoritative body in this domain. IMDOS also actively engages with significant policy developments, including discussions around the Global Plastics Treaty, highlighting its relevance in shaping international approaches to plastic pollution.

Access and Data Availability

The IMDOS website, available at https://imdos.org/, serves as the primary hub for information regarding the initiative’s vision, mission, objectives, and news updates. While the mission explicitly states “facilitating open access to data,