In routine or in real time, on a global or regional scale, both on the surface and beneath it, Mercator Ocean describes, analyses and forecasts the state of the ocean by developing the "Mercator System" for ocean analysis and forecasting and maintaining it in an operational condition. Mercator Ocean International is a non-profit organisation providing ocean science-based services of general interest focused on the conservation and the sustainable use of the ocean and marine resources. It is owned by ten major players in the field of operational oceanography: CNR, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Météo-France, SHOM, CMCC, MetOffice, NERSC, and Puertos del Estado.