One of the key objectives of the JCDP is to work with data providers to synthesise the way in which data are collected and stored, to support collation of data into a central JCDP database. The JCDP Steering Group have agreed on a data standard to enable efficient submission of datasets to the JCDP. This document outlines that standard, and data providers will need to work towards achieving the standard in order to result in compatible data with the JCDP. Two documents: JDCP Data Standard This is a user guide for submitting and managing metadata for the Joint Cetacean Data Programme. The JCDP metadata system is hosted by GeoNetwork and is publicly accessible; https://gis.ices.dk/geonetwork