MARIS originates from a governmental initiative in the Netherlands to improve the overview and access of data, information and knowledge about the sea. Founded in 1989, the MARIS foundation develops and manages projects and internet systems for management and provision of marine and ocean data. MARIS develops and operates infrastructures, dynamic web portals and mobile apps, while incorporating databases, content management systems, mapping services, sensor web enablement, responsive design and crowdsourcing techniques. MARIS has been involved involved in the strategic development and technical implementation of the pan-European infrastructure for ocean and marine data through several EU Research and Innovation projects.