As the offshore space becomes increasingly crowded, access to high-quality data has never been more important for informing evidence-based decisions. Recognising the need to adapt, we have recently launched the new-look Marine Data Exchange as a beta version.

Whilst we're still in beta mode, we want to test new ideas with you and to get your feedback. This year, we've decided to forgo the usual 'MDE annual report' format and instead bring you new stories and content directly on the MDE.

In this first edition, we've currated some of the highlights so far from meeting the person behind the MDE mailbox, reading about how the MDE data has been used, stats and facts on the types of data available through the MDE, to a whistle-stop tour through the data themes.