1. Towards a Unified Vision for Ocean Data Management in Canada:
Results of an Expert Forum
Lee Wilson
School of Information Management/Dalhousie University

2. Human activity and impacts
MEOPAR
MEOPAR is a national network of academic researchers and students, government scientists, and partners in the private, NGO and community sectors working together to reduce vulnerability and strengthen opportunity related to the marine environment.
Climate change
Marine weather, conditions and hazards
Human activity and impacts

3. Ocean Data Management in Canada
Coordination in … ocean observation is lacking and support for research networks has often been constrained by temporary funding. More generally, there is no effective national-level mechanism to coordinate the allocation of resources and facilitate the sharing of infrastructure and knowledge among ocean scientists. This also hinders the sharing of resources and knowledge at the international level. (Council of Canadian Academies, 2013, p. xix)
Data essential for gaining sound knowledge and understanding of the marine environment
Ocean data generated primarily by strong, regionally-focused Ocean Observing Systems (OOS)
Regional focus has resulted in a “Coordination Gap”

4. System Infrastructure
What is an Ocean Observing System?
In a recent report, the Ocean Science & Technology Partnership defined an “OOS” broadly as any “organized system that collects and provides ocean and maritime data to users on a regular basis.” (OSTP, 2011).
Sensors
Data Distribution
Modeling
System Infrastructure
Data Archive
Data Fusion

5. Ocean Data Management in Canada (cont.)
Lack of coordination makes it difficult for end-users to access data which are:
Often scattered across a wide range of websites
Difficult to find
Hard to access
Not available at all

6. Community of Practice on Ocean Data Management (ODM CoP)
The CoP on Ocean Data Management connects Canadian ocean data centres to share and mobilize expertise and best practices, promote cooperation and alignment, and develop a shared vision for ocean data management in Canada.
Conceived by its members at a 2014 Data Management Workshop
Comprised of organizations from government, academic, and NGO sectors.
Current conversation includes discussion around an industry-driven group to connect closely with the CoP.

7. Ocean Data Management Expert Forum
18-19 November 2015
Over 50 participants from government, academia, and the private sector attended…
Brought together national and international experts on ocean data management
Discussed current & best management practices for ocean data
Current state of ocean data in Canada
Goals and visions for the future of ocean data management in Canada

8. Key Takeaways from International Experts
Encourage a shift towards a culture of open data sharing.
Encourage open data sharing by incentivizing data producers and acknowledging and respecting data ownership.
Data is more than data: it includes documentation, tools, source code.
An interoperable sharing network based on a federated system of regional/thematic nodes works best for geographically dispersed and diverse areas.
The system should benefit a wide variety of stakeholders.
Build a system with sustainability at the core.
Quality assurance and control are paramount.
Do not let perfect be the enemy of good.

9. A Canadian (DFO) Perspective
An integrated Ocean Observing System for Canada that would bring together and leverage existing Canadian and international ocean observation data/programs/projects to generate value-added data products on an open web-based platform that maximizes utility to end-users (e.g., government, science partners, industry, and the public).
Benefits
Enhanced modeling / assessment advice
Increased ability to detect changes in the ocean
Improved resource management decisions
Reduced risk to infrastructure
Establish integrated baseline data
New opportunities for technology industry
Advances GofC Open Data commitments
Challenges
A national framework and governance
Role of government
Support mechanisms, including funding
Gap in knowledge of what data exists
Data ownership, intellectual property, licensing
A functional, robust, user friendly system
Meeting expectations of diverse users
System interoperability

10. Voices from the Community of Practice
We Envision
Develop a clear policy framework to support this initiative.
Select and empower a government department or agency to act as a leader.
CIOOS should be a federated system comprised of regional/thematic nodes.
Work towards the development of, and support for, a clear and consistent data standardization policy.
Recognize that integration means more than data sharing and access.
CIOOS must provide easy access to ocean observation data to support evidence-based decision-making for maritime issues.
Continue to strengthen and grow the ODM CoP in Canada.

11. Voices from the Community of Practice
We Commit
Work together towards a common Ocean Data Management solution for Canada.
Share technology, expertise, and experience.
Promote this vision for CIOOS within our respective organizations.
Continue to support the Community of Practice on Ocean Data Management.
Bring in local organizations.

12. The Canadian Integrated Oceans Observation System
Description of the diagram (bottom to top):
Local nodes feed data into Regional nodes (we do not yet know how many Regional nodes there will be). Local nodes may also decide to store data locally, in which case they will provide metadata/persistent identifiers for the data to the Regional nodes. Local nodes are also responsible for ensuring that data collection, processing, and storage conforms to nationally mandated standards.
Regional nodes will collect and store data, manage their regional ocean observing infrastructure, collect data from Local nodes, perform QA/QC and interoperability checks, provide DM training and expertise for the Local nodes, and funnel all metadata/persistent identifiers to the National layer.
National layer will: provide strategic direction/oversight and funding coordination; act as a single point of access for finding, accessing, and retrieving the data within CIOOS (i.e., an expansive metadata catalogue with robust search functionality and built in data products for added value); and perform high-level decision-making (e.g., deciding on metadata and interoperability standards to followed).
This model is conceptual; what CIOOS will look like is still an ongoing conversation.

13. QC/QA & integration measures to be implemented at all levels
CIOOS (cont.)
National
Regional / Thematic
Local
Develops & oversees strategic vision
Coordinates funding support
Provides data repository services as needed
Single point of access for data that is held locally at the Regional & Local levels
Provides data products (e.g., digital coastal atlases) that are accessible for non- technical users
Collects data & manages observation infrastructure at the Regional level
Integrates data from Local nodes
Provides data management training, support, & expertise to the Local level
Feeds metadata into the National infrastructure
Acts as a custodian of data; not an owner
Collects & manages organizational/project data
Works directly with Regional nodes
Complies with national standards & best data management practices for data type
Processes & feeds data into the Regional nodes
QC/QA & integration measures to be implemented at all levels

14. Challenges and Next Steps
Soliciting feedback from the potential user community.
Defining collaboratively the concept of regional nodes building on regional strengths.
Creating a blueprint for the system architecture.
Developing a national policy framework that is agreeable to a diverse stakeholder group.
Developing a clear governance structure.
Coordinating diverse organizations.
Ensuring sustainability.

15. Questions? www.meopar.ca 902-494-4384 Lee Wilson Mike Smit
Mike Smit