Dialogue between different sectors and knowledge based decision making are essential for governance of seas, blue economy and environmental protection of the seas. Marine data is scarce, scattered and expensive to produce. This is why all existing information and data needs to be effectively available in a user friendly format.

Finland is a forerunner in digitalization. Finland is also an expert in smooth cross-sector administration. Now, Finnish governmental research institutes are setting up a common central channel for their marine information and data, www.MarineFinland.fi. This portal will provide an open and easy access to their monitoring and real-time oceanographic, biological, chemical and other data from the Baltic Sea. It will also be a window for Finnish arctic policies, maritime activities and research work, and it will offer educational material. A structured and well maintained portal serves officials, the private sector, researchers, stakeholders and wide public both nationally and internationally. The portal will be designed by keeping in mind the frameworks of UNESCOs Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission's (Helcom) and European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet).