| 1. | 15 October 2012: The IFAG chair will invite members of the Group to comment on high level structure of the MTS |
| 1.1 | 1. Maintain, strengthen and integrate a global ocean observing system for monitoring, assessment and forecasting of the state of the ocean |
| 1.1.a | Facilitate global ocean data responding to requirements for sustained observations |
| 1.1.b | Facilitate regional ocean data responding to regional priorities for end-to-end observing systems |
| 1.1.c | Improve scientific information on ocean ecosystem status and human impact |
| 1.1.d | Improve the knowledge base for sustainable management related to the open ocean |
| 1.2 | 2. Ensure national strategies for adapting to climate change include coastal and ocean components |
| 1.2.a | Improve knowledge of the impacts of climate variability and change on natural and human systems |
| 1.2.b | Develop climate services and assessments of the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystem services |
| 1.2.c | Promote mainstreaming of actions towards mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and ocean acidification into national development priorities |
| 1.3 | 3. Strengthen capabilities of vulnerable coastal States to prepare for and respond to natural coastal hazards |
| 1.3.a | Promote integrated and sustained monitoring and warning systems |
| 1.3.b | Promote awareness, education and exchange of best practices in preparedness for coastal inundation hazards |
| 1.3.c | Contribute to developing Member States’ capacities for coastal hazard assessment |
| 1.4 | 4. Strengthen ocean knowledge and foster regional cooperation in marine science with scientific institutions and governments |
| 1.4.a | Promote sustainable use and conservation of marine ecosystems and living resources by contributing to the understanding of ecosystem functioning/services, including establishment of status baselines, and the implementation of ecosystem-based management |
| 1.4.b | Strengthening science-based knowledge and capacity building for integrated ocean and coastal management |
| 1.4.c | Stimulate at a global level educational programmes at early stages and improve mechanisms to support capacity building |
| 1.5 | 5. Enhance the global ocean governance framework through shared knowledge base and capacity development |
| 1.5.a | Provide leadership in the coordination and implementation of UN global targets relevant to ocean-based knowledge |
| 1.5.b | Facilitate mechanisms for the exchange of ocean environmental data for decision-making |
| 1.5.c | Strengthen capacity for some Member States to formulate ocean management plans and policies through technology transfer. |
| 2. | Late November 2012: Circulation of a first draft outline with deadline for comments by end January. |
| 3. | February 2013: Circulation of the revised draft outline and call for comments on the detailed planning of the MTS by early March |
| 4. | Late March 2013: Circulation of a first full draft and draft resolution for the Assembly with deadline for comments by end April |
| 5. | Mid-May 2013: Circulation of the final draft as a working document for the Assembly |
| 6. | June 2013: Submission to the IOC Assembly |