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 up to five additional experts in relevant disciplines of marine science, 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 be responsible for the follow-up and coordination of all actions/activities resulting from the WESTPAC Advisory Group.