At the Seventh Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-VII), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 26-29 May 2008, the Sub-Commission decided to establish a WESTPAC Advisory Group as a mechanism for providing advice to the Chairperson and the Sub-Commission, including scientific and technical review of Project Proposals submitted for adoption as WESTPAC Projects and on the development, planning and implementation of the activities of the Sub- Commission. This action was also intended as one of the steps to revitalize the Sub- Commission through rectifying the present deficiencies, improving communications and interactions and ensuring a comprehensive programme in line with the IOC’s High Level Objectives. (Rec. SC-WESTPAC-VII.1).

The WESTPAC Advisory Group, composed of the Officers of the Sub-Commission and selected ocean experts, has the responsibility to provide scientific and technical advice on the development, planning and implementation of the activities of the Sub-Commission.

The Head of the WESTPAC Office is an ex-officio member for the Group, and will provide technical and administrative support to the Group.