Presented at Ocean.US on 20 November 2001 Summary: The presentation describes how NVODS addresses marine sciences data management issues and its vision for the future of marine data/information management. Key questions posed include assessing progress, identifying additional efforts needed, hosting workshops, and discussing the role of science versus imposition of standards. NVODS, a project facilitating oceanographic data access, has completed planning stages and implementation steps. Success criteria include user community growth, DAP acceptance, and sustained funding. NVODS aims to enhance data access protocols, develop user bases, and promote adoption. Challenges include agency involvement and alignment with existing efforts like OBIS. The approach favors community-driven standards and flexible system design over imposition.