The UK Archive for Marine Species and Habitats Data (DASSH) stands as a flagship initiative of the Marine Biological Association (MBA), building on the MBA’s longstanding commitment to advancing marine science. As the UK Data Archive Centre (DAC) for marine species and habitats data within the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) partnership, DASSH plays a pivotal role in the stewardship of the United Kingdom’s marine biodiversity information. Serving as the UK node for OBIS, DASSH ensures that UK marine biodiversity data is not only preserved but also flows seamlessly into international networks. Its collaborative approach extends to partnerships with other UK and European data centers, contributing to major data portals such as the NBN Atlas, EMODnet, EurOBIS, and WDS Regular member GBIF.
DASSH’s commitment to the FAIR Data Principles aligns closely with the mission and values of the World Data System. As a Regular member of WDS since October 2025, DASSH brings its expertise in high-quality, open, and sustainable data management to a global community dedicated to advancing research data sharing and stewardship. This partnership not only strengthens the visibility and interoperability of marine biodiversity data but also supports transparent, collaborative science across disciplines. By joining WDS, DASSH helps further the shared vision of making critical research data accessible and reusable for future generations, enhancing trust and collaboration within the international scientific community.