"...the oceans, covering some seventy percent of the earth's surface, exert a profound influence on humankind and even on all forms of life on Earth... In order to properly interpret the full value of the oceans to humankind, they must be studied from many points of view. While pioneering research and new ideas usually come from individuals and small groups, many aspects of oceanic investigations present far too formidable a task to be undertaken by any one nation or even a few nations."

Key activities within IOC include the development of an innovative programme on ocean science, addressing such topics as oceans and climate, coral bleaching, and small pelagic fishes and global change. Monitoring and forecasting capabilities in the open and coastal ocean are also being developed as part of an integrated international strategy for observing the global environment. In December 2001, an international conference held at UNESCO House assessed progress on oceans and coasts in the implementation of Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 and related instruments, as part of IOC’s contribution to the Johannesburg summit.