Implementing a FAIR Data Strategy for the Global Ocean Observing Networks

Abstract:

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a complicated mix of heterogeneous programs, platforms, and projects all collecting extremely society relevant data. The Observations Coordination Group (OCG), which reports to GOOS, is tasked to coordinate activities among these networks. Recently, the OCG has included data management and the creation and adoption of best practices in their scope of coordinated activities.

In order to improve the integration of data from these global networks, the OCG has embarked on the creation and implementation of a data strategy, which is based upon the FAIR data principles. The strategy focuses on metadata, near-real time data, delayed mode data, and synthesis products. The aim is to improve interoperability, not only among the global networks, but also across the broader scientific community. It is also critical to ensure that the data strategy creates a framework of data and information services that are compatible with other global and regional data activities, such as activities related to the UN Decade of the Ocean and International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange’s (IODE) Ocean Infohub project.

In this presentation, we will discuss the tools and services that will be implemented through the OCG data strategy work and how this strategy is focussed on the FAIR data principles. We will illustrate how innovation does not always require new tools to be developed, and, indeed, how success can result from leveraging existing tools in innovative ways.