The GMES and Africa Marine and Coastal Operations (MarCOSouth) project is the result of collaborative partnerships (ABALOBI, Benguela Current Convention, Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Sea Rescue Institute, University of Dar Es Salaam, University of Eduardo Mondlane and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association).  MarCOSouth is funded through the African Union’s GMES and Africa programme and forms part of its Marine and Coastal Operations thematic area.