About MIMS
The Marine Information Management System
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has initiated the development of the Marine Information Management System (MIMS).
The Marine Information Management System is a crucial ocean data management and information component of the National Oceans Information Management System and was developed through collaboration between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Oceans and Coastal Research (DFFE: OCR) and the South African Environmental Observations Network. The purpose of MIMS is to ensure the long-term archival and preservation of high-quality marine and coastal data and metadata generated by the DFFE and its regional partners, and to make data available and accessible to the broader community, while encouraging scientific collaboration.
MIMS is an accredited International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange Associate Data Unit and serves as the South African node for ocean data identified by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. As an IOC/IODE Associate Data Unit, MIMS is bounded to international standards of best practice. It hosts the Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography and AfrOBIS – the sub-Saharan African node of the IODE Ocean Biodiversity Information System. MIMS provides a single point of access to marine and coastal data, products and services across the region.
The implementation of MIMS is guided by the MIMS Technical Advisory Group (TAG) which is responsible for providing technical information, advice and recommendations necessary for MIMS to efficiently and effectively function as a long-term repository for marine and coastal data and information, adhering to the fullest extent practicable with internationally (and nationally) recognised best practices and standards
- MIMS operates on the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles, and strives to adhere to the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model with the aim of maximising ocean data exchange and use while respecting the conditions stipulated by the Data Provider.
- MIMS is a component of the national Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS) and manages the Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography (SADCO).
- MIMS has been developed by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) under the leadership of the Chief Directorate: Oceans and Coastal Research Branch of DEFF, South Africa.
Team Descriptions
MIMS Manager:
Oversees the project development of the Marine Information Management System.
Data Curation Team:
Assists with the description, preservation, and standardised dissemination of datasets and digital objects, including formal publication with an associated Digital Object Identifier (DOI).
System Development Team:
Implements open data management systems and tools to enable the curation and archiving of data and metadata, provision of standardised open data and metadata services, and the implementation of end-user applications to search, discover and access datasets.
System Administration Team:
Responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of the MIMS systems and servers, and overall technical support.
