Why are Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library being retired?
Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library have long been trusted sources of marine data. However, the development of
newer platforms with superior functionality, usability, and data curation means that there are now better alternatives
for accessing marine data.
Retiring the Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library platforms will enable us to focus on the most impactful areas of Ocean+, like Ocean+ Habitats . It will also allow us to direct users to more up-to-date
platforms that are better able to meet their needs, like UN Biodiversity
Lab , UNEP-WCMC GIS Portal , and the Proteus website for members of the Proteus Partnership .
With the exception of a small number of datasets that have been superseded by newer datasets (please see
Which Ocean+ Data Viewer datasets will no longer be available? below),
all of the marine datasets on Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library
will still be available through these alternative platforms.
To share any questions or concerns you may have about this transition, please respond to the surveys available on the
Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library websites.
When will Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library be retired?
Both will be retired in early 2025.
Where can I find the information that was hosted on Ocean+ Library?
A full copy of the Ocean+ Library database will now be available to download on the UNEP-WCMC Resources page.
Where can I find or view the datasets that were hosted on Ocean+ Data Viewer?
Ocean+ Data Viewer's datasets are now openly available through the Ocean+
tag on UNEP-WCMC GIS Portal . This is our recommended platform for users who wish to download the data, view
single map layers (members of the Proteus Partnership can view multiple
map layers when logged in), or who already have GIS expertise.
Otherwise, if you are not a Proteus Partnership member but still wish to view multiple data layers on a map, many of
Ocean+ Data Viewer's datasets will be openly available to view (with enhanced usability) on UN Biodiversity Lab . Apart from these Ocean+ datasets, UN Biodiversity Lab also contains a large variety of other marine and
terrestrial maps and is regularly updated with the most recent quality data.
A full list of datasets and their availability can be found below.
Dataset
UN Biodiversity Lab availability
UNEP-WCMC GIS Portal availability
A global biophysical typology of mangroves
Yes
Yes
A Modelled Global Distribution of the Seagrass Biome
No
Link available soon
Global Critical Habitat Screening Layer (Published)
Yes
Yes
Global Distribution of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Bowhead Whales
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Cold-water Corals
Yes
Yes
Global Distribution of Coral Reefs
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Grey Seals
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Hawaiian Monk Seals
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Hector's Dolphins
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Mangroves USGS
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Melon-Headed Whales
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Modelled Mangrove Biomass
Yes
Yes
Global Distribution of Northern Bottlenose Whales
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Northern Fur Seals
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Saltmarshes
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Sea Turtle Feeding Sites
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Seagrasses
Yes
Yes
Global Distribution of Seamounts and Knolls
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Sei Whales
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Sperm Whales
No
Yes
Global Distribution of Tidal Flat Ecosystems
No
Yes
Global Distributions of Habitat Suitability for Cold-Water Octocorals
No
Link available soon
Global Estuary Database
No
Link available soon
Global Mangrove Watch (1996 - 2020)
Yes
Yes
Global Patterns of Marine Biodiversity
No
Yes
Global Seagrass Species Richness
No
Yes
Marine Ecoregions and Pelagic Provinces of the World (2007, 2012)
No
Yes
Mean Annual Sea Surface Chlorophyll-a Concentration (2009-2013)
No
No
Mean Annual Sea Surface Temperature (2003-2007)
No
No
Mean Annual Sea Surface Temperature (2009-2013)
No
No
Mean Sea Surface Productivity in December (2003-2007)
No
No
Mean Sea Surface Productivity in June (2003-2007)
No
No
Modelled Global Distribution of the Kelp Biome
No
Link available soon
Reefs at Risk Revisited
No
Yes
World Atlas of Mangroves
No
Yes
World Database on Protected Areas
Yes
Yes
Which Ocean+ Data Viewer datasets will no longer be available?
As part of the transition to UN Biodiversity Lab and UNEP-WCMC GIS Portal , a small minority of datasets
will be retired and not available on either platform. These are:
Mean Annual Sea Surface Chlorophyll-a Concentration (2009-2013)
Mean Annual Sea Surface Temperature (2003-2007)
Mean Annual Sea Surface Temperature (2009-2013)
Mean Sea Surface Productivity in December (2003-2007)
Mean Sea Surface Productivity in June (2003-2007)
In each case these have been superseded by newer datasets that contain other advantages, like greater temporal
coverage. These alternatives can be found at:
Will all datasets have the same use restrictions and licenses as when they were hosted on Ocean+ Data Viewer?
Yes, nothing has changed with respect to use and licensing. For all licensing enquiries, please contact oceanplus@unep-wcmc.org .
Will the retirement of Ocean+ Data Viewer and Ocean+ Library have any effect on Ocean+ Habitats?
No, Ocean+ Habitats is not affected by these changes.
If you have any queries about the site changes that were not answered here, please contact us at oceanplus@unep-wcmc.org .
Changes to Ocean+ Library