Data Management

CIOOS Atlantic is the Atlantic region of the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS), a national platform that acts as Canada’s nucleus for integrated ocean science and observing activities. CIOOS provides discovery and access services for high-quality ocean data that is aligned with the FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) and is available for the benefit of all Canadians.

The Draft Regional Assessment Report highlights the need for significant volumes of research data to support adaptive management and reporting for Offshore Wind (OSW). Although this is an important point, what’s missing is a thorough consideration of what should be done with the many and varied types of data necessary to support this. To maximize the value of collected data, to ensure it is usable in the present and into the future, requires a sound data management strategy at the outset. (Data management undertaken after data collection is both more costly and more difficult.)

Given the broad array of data expected, a one-size-fits-all approach to data management is not appropriate, nor should a data management strategy be developed from scratch. There are national and international domain-specific repositories with expertise in this area (CIOOS, Ocean Tracking Network, Ocean Biodiversity Information System Canada, and more) which can be leveraged to ensure the appropriate metadata and data standards are applied.

Consistently managed data further supports recommendation T1-3 of a shared repository of data and sources. High-quality and reusable data is also critical to achieving a comprehensive and holistic understanding of regional characteristics, and is necessary for a successful collaborative research initiative such as that recommended in T1-1.

A collaboratively-focused approach to OSW management will also require a departure from the privately-funded and privately-held approach to data that has been used in the past. To achieve this, and in alignment with federal and provincial open data policies, data collected with regards to Offshore Wind should align with the FAIR data principles and be made openly available wherever possible. This is particularly true for data collected in whole or part with public funds, or data required for regulatory purposes.

Open data may also benefit developers; the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), based out of New Hampshire, has received feedback that having access to real-time data can strengthen relationships between developers and other ocean users.

Data management is an essential component of the research sphere, and is necessary to achieve success in the complex landscape of offshore wind-related activities. But it must also be funded appropriately. As an example of the resources required for a large-scale initiative, the data management project of the Transforming Climate Action program will support 6-8 individuals, and may require more in future.