Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
8.4.1 Subjects involved
The Argo array is composed of member states and intergovernmental organizations like
UNESCO and WMO, and is otherwise undefined, using indistinct terms like 'programme'
sine qua non
to be part of Argo. Following IOC Resolution IOC-XLI-4, the subjects in-
volved in Argo activities are the Argo Information Centre (AIC), located in Toulouse, acting
as coordinator and providing technical assistance, and the UNESCO/IOC-WMO member
states, divided into implementers (i.e. deployers) and coastal states. The implementers play
an active role: they own the floats and provide the information to the AIC which then dis-
seminates the information; the coastal states play a passive role by letting the Implementer
collect date from waters under their jurisdiction. The floats belong to the Implementer and
may operate on the high seas (UNCLOS, Art. 86), or the territorial sea (UNCLOS, Art. 2),
or the EEZ (UNCLOS, Art. 55) of the implementer or any other coastal state.
Eventhoughthereisnomentionofownershiponthelabelaffixedtothefloats,itstates:
'This is scientific equipment; it is not military material and has no commercial value. This
float is used for ocean predictions and provides valuable information to many communities
including fishermen. For your safety do not open this instrument. If found please contact the
Argo Information Centre …'. The AIC is in charge of locating the owner and initiating the
operation to recover the float. However, the United Nations Secretariat through WMO and
UNESCO/IOC is progressively increasing its role in Argo, to the point that it may become
an Implementer in the near future.
