Ocean Biogeographic Information System Edward Vanden Berghe

‘Mission’ OBIS publishes primary data on marine species locations online through –It facilitates data discovery and exploration by Searching by species, higher taxa, time, location, depth, data set Mapping observed occurrences Modelling of potential environmental range –Integrates data over marine themes Microbes to whales Genetics and morphology Poles to equator… –Enables data capture for re-use Provides the biogeographic context for ocean research

Global loss of species from LMEs Biodiversity issue Worm et al in science

Why do this? Proper management of natural resources requires properly managed data and information –Several organisations sharing fisheries data OBIS model makes data and information management more efficient –Share responsibilities, tools, standards… –Share data across different organisations and countries OBIS is a way of ensuring data is not lost –Archaeology and rescue for historic data –Repositories for new data Assist in data discovery –Links with EoL, BOLD…

OBIS as part of GBIF Same technology –DiGIR, investigating IPT Same structure –Darwin Core, OBIS Schema –Investigating expansion Same philosophy and terms of use

OBIS as part of UNESCO Adopted by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO As part of their International Oceanographic Data and information Exchange programme So no longer an project-based activity, but intergovernmental

GBIF OBISIODE

OBIS in context Data integration component of CoML –Capturing and integrating data –Support the 2010 synthesis Marine component of GBIF –Fully inter-operable with GBIF standards –Extending with marine-specific elements Biodiversity component of IOC –Under IODE programme –Contributing to GOOS Partner with FAO, UNEP (WCMC) Hosted by Rutgers University IMCS Funded by Sloan Foundation

Distribution of cod, Gadus morhua, shown as ‘c- squares’ map

Predicting distribution of invasive species, Pterois volitans

OBIS records viewed

Standards Biogeography: GBIF/TDWG –Darwin Core, Extended to OBIS Schema –ABCD Metadata: discovery metadata –Global Change Master Directory – NASA –MEDI – IODE; FGDC – US Gov? Taxonomy: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) –Contribution to Species 2000 and Catalogue of Life Geography –Polygon sets EEZs, FAO areas, IHO… –Gazetteer

Extensions to Darwin Core Begin and end point –Position, depth, date/time –Accommodate trawls Sample size –Quantitative information In collaboration with GBIF working on system to extend standard –Ecological information, EML

Standards: taxonomy Aphia is general species register maintained at VLIZ –Consists of several overlapping subsets defined geographical (ERMS, NWARMS…) defined taxonomic (Porifera, Platyhelminthes…) defined thematic (HABs, invasive species) Exposed through WoRMS = Aphia + external GSDs –Algaebase, Hexacorallia, FishBase…

OBIS number of records 699 datasets 20.1 million distribution records 147,000 names, 107,000 taxa Among the largest provider to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Who’s providing data? –Regional OBIS Nodes –Census of Marine Life

Map of CoML field projects

CoML & Ocean Observing An example of how CoML technologies can be implemented in earth and ocean observing systems 7 seals tracked during 2-3 month summer feeding migrations Some animals dive 1000m

Some CoML Discoveries Athorybia rosacea – a siphonophore from the Sargasso Sea Palinurus barbarae – a lobster from around Madagascar Promachoteuthis sloani – a squid from the mid-Atlantic Ridge Ceratoserolis – an isopod from the Weddell Sea Kiwa hirsuta – a crab from around Easter Island (nicknamed the Yeti crab)

HMAP data extends timeline

Location of RONs

Role of the regional nodes Ensuring true global cover for OBIS Regional nodes are closer to the providers of the data –Local visibility for global OBIS data –Mobilise data from region –Technical assistance, also with standardisation –Specialised information products and services Data available on the regional network are also available on the global network –Increased global visibility for local data and data providers –Data sharing

Still a lot of work… We don’t know the total biodiversity –New species are discovered Selective sampling in geography –Mostly in surface waters –Temperate zones Selective sampling in taxonomy –Mostly big things, vertebrates

New species are discovered Data from

Geographical bias

Bias in depth: all data

Bias in depth: deeper than 2500m

Taxonomic bias Taxon# species# in OBIS% Cetaceans Seals… Fish Echinoderms Decapods Bryozoans

Analysis of OBIS data First attempts at diversity pattern on a global scale, with a large number of taxa –Previously either local or on one taxon (e.g. commercial large fish like tuna, forams…) –‘Safety in numbers’ Results not affected by idiosyncrasies of single taxon or study Results very preliminary, and need data cleaning and further checking –E.g. by artificially removing datasets from analysis

Global pattern of sampling effort

Pattern in number of species

Corrected for bias: ES(50)

Large Marine Ecosystems

Latitudinal gradient ES(50)

Marine fish to be discovered Mora et al (2007). The completeness of taxonomic inventories for describing the global diversity and distribution of marine fishes. Proc. R. Soc. B, published on line Percentage completeness 1 100

Plans for the future More data and analysis Develop thematic portals, on issues of direct societal relevance –Invasive species, HABs… Develop demonstrator projects –Species distributions, hotspots… Support CoML scientists –Integration across themes –2010 Synthesis –Publications: theme section(s)

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