The project addresses important issues related tot the process of achievement of the European standards in the field of marine sciences in Bulgaria and the Black Sea region as a whole. In particular, this refers building of an efficient exploratory and institutional infrastructure to meet the nowadays challenges in scientific management. The project aims at elaboration of adequate strategies and implementation plans for better institutional management and development of research spheres. This will be based on sound assessment of the existing situation and adoption of the best practices as applied in Europe. Therefore, the project will contribute to the accession process of Bulgaria in the European Union with respect to marine science and policy. The main goal of the proposal is design of major prerequisites that will make possible the coordinating role of the Institute of Oceanology in the region. This includes development of the necessary basis for advance of the Bulgarian National Oceanographic Data Centre, proper functioning of the coastal research station and research vessel, and to establish the basis for a Regional GOOS oriented operational centre and Black Sea Oceanographic Data and Information Network. A strategic implementation plan for establishing a Black Sea ODIN (Ocean Data and Information Network) will be developed. Thus, the project will contribute to creation of common regional oceanographic platform through building of an information and co-ordination centre for marine research in Bulgaria. IO-BAS will function as focal point for institutional policy making, national and regional collaboration and for logistic support of the scientific research to serve end users needs. The project results will be largely disseminated and will help to increase the impact of Flanders and Bulgarian marine research community.