The role of IPHAB is to improve the managerial, scientific and financial resources available for implementation of a global HAB Programme. The aim is to facilitate the international community to continue to implement activities addressing capacity building, international cooperative research, and communication networks. The composition of the IPHAB: "The membership of the IPHAB is open to Member States of IOC which have declared to the Secretary IOC their involvement or intention to participate in the development and implementation of the HAB Programme on a global, regional, or national scale. The Panel shall include representatives of IOC Regional or other subsidiary bodies, and other interested international organizations particularly SCOR. Invitations to participate in the IPHAB activities may be extended to scientific experts at the request of the Panel and with the approval of Secretary IOC." IPHAB-IX Web Pages