Presenter: Danie Kinkade (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Description:
Oceanography is an inherently interdisciplinary field producing highly heterogeneous data, often obtained at great cost and effort. These observational data represent significant scientific investment and hold potential for advancing oceanographic science through reuse. Realizing this potential hinges on data first being shared and well-managed. Yet, in spite of growing appreciation for the value of open data (data that are publicly and freely discoverable, accessible, and reusable), many researchers remain challenged to share their data. The reasons for this are varied. Sub-disciplines may have unique culture, practices, and tools for data sharing and integration that inadvertently silo data. Researchers, rarely educated in data management practices, may lack skills to prepare, document, and determine appropriate repositories through which to share their research output. Unclear or inadequate funder expectations and guidance may result in data languishing or remaining unshared.  Recognizing the value of open oceanographic data and the challenges associated with data publication, the Biological and Chemical Oceanography Data Management Office (BCO-DMO) was created to work closely with researchers throughout the research data life cycle, helping them achieve data sharing requirements, educating them in basic data skills, and contributing their data to the growing database available for reuse. Since its inception in 2006, the office has cultivated an effective relationship with its research community, and these efforts have resulted in a rich resource of marine and limnological data available for new research. Today, the office continues to serve its community, remaining responsive to their data sharing and curation needs, and engaging in community efforts that advance data sharing and publication. This presentation will discuss the challenges and opportunities BCO-DMO experiences in the current data publication landscape.