Description and evaluation of a prototype coastal information system as a tool for the Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network

In May of 1981, the Central Coordination and Referral Office (CCRO) was designated to manage the Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network (OPDIN). The Network was one result of Public Law 95-273 (The National Ocean Pollution Planning Act) which states, under Section 8 of the Act, a need to disseminate in a more timely manner and useful form, data and information resulting from Federal marine pollution activities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was delegated the responsibility as lead agency to implement the Act: the CCRO was established within NOAA's National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) to fulfill the data and information dissemination task.