Marine Science Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2018
Keywords
ocean observing, integrated assessments, marine ecosystems, data sharing, essential ocean variables, essential biodiversity variables, FAIR data, action ecology
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00428
Abstract
Marine ecosystems have numerous benefits for human societies around the world and many policy initiatives now seek to maintain the health of these ecosystems. To enable wise decisions, up to date and accurate information on marine species and the state of the environment they live in is required. Moreover, this information needs to be openly accessible to build indicators and conduct timely assessments that decision makers can use. The questions and problems being addressed demand global-scale investigations, transdisciplinary science, and mechanisms to integrate and distribute data that otherwise would appear to be disparate. Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and marine Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), conceptualized by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), respectively, guide observation of the ocean. Additionally, significant progress has been made to coordinate efforts between existing programs, such as the GOOS, MBON, and Ocean Biogeographic Information System collaboration agreement. Globally and nationally relevant indicators and assessments require increased sharing of data and analytical methods, sustained long-term and large-scale observations, and resources to dedicated to these tasks. We propose a vision and key tenets as a guiding framework for building a global integrated system for understanding marine biological diversity and processes to address policy and resource management needs. This framework includes: using EOVs and EBVs and implementing the guiding principles of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) data and action ecology. In doing so, we can encourage relevant, rapid, and integrative scientific advancement that can be implemented by decision makers to maintain marine ecosystem health.
Rights Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Frontiers in Marine Science, v. 5, art. 428
Scholar Commons Citation
Benson, Abigail; Brooks, Cassandra M.; Canonico, Gabrielle; Duffy, Emmett; Muller-Karger, Frank; Sosik, Heidi M.; Miloslavich, Patricia; and Klein, Eduardo, "Integrated Observations and Informatics Improve Understanding of Changing Marine Ecosystems" (2018). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 749.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/749
