An initiative to set up and run an infrastructure to provide assistance in the field of oceanographic data management to the MTP, including the different subprojects and associated MAST projects. The general objective of MADAM is to compile and produce an up–to–date dataset, the MTP Data Set, comprising data from the MTP as well as a set of basic tools for the scientific use of the data. Secondary objectives include managing and making available the data set during the course of MTP, set up and running a network to provide links between associated scientists, and providing support for subprojects for specific data handling problems.