The Terms of Reference for the ICES WGOH change slightly from year to year, reflecting the specific needs of ICES at any given time. However there are some key ToRs which continue from year to year. These are given here, as an indication of the work that the WGOH does.

a) update and review results from Standard Sections and Stations;

b) consolidate inputs from Member Countries to, and continue development of, the ICES Report on Ocean Climate (IROC)

c) provide support to other Expert Groups requiring information on oceanic hydrography in support of their responses to the advice requests;

d) take action for strengthening the role of WGOH and physical oceanography within ICES, and explore areas of mutual interest with international climate monitoring programmes;

e) provide expert knowledge and guidance to ICES Data Centre on a continuous basis;

WGOH reports to the attention of the SCICOM and ACOM.