Data and Information

OSPAR Data and Information Management Strategy to 2030

Agreement 2025-03

The vision for OSPAR data and information is that it continues to be used with confidence in support of the work of the OSPAR Commission including: production of robust, evidence based, assessments; data are accessible by all who require it; utilisation of standards and formats to ensure the utmost possibility for data reuse; integration with external systems with minimal human interaction; ensuring, through clear data governance, including robust data management procedures and continued data availability, that repetition of data collection, entry and validation is not necessary; culminating in the maximum return on investment being realised.

Implementation of the ODS-2030 includes:

1. Understand and respond to data and information management needs

Tasks:


1a. Requesting and providing regular feedback to OSPAR groups

1b. Sharing of feedback and proposals with the Coordination Group for strategic oversight

1c. Integrate or adapt proposals in the “Development Program”

1d. Utilise the technical network of experts under ICG-Data

2. Develop a revised systems architecture, with implementation timeline

Tasks:


2a. Draft a revised system architecture, considering a streamlined assessment process

2b. Receive and integrate technical feedback to improve proposal

2c. Present for strategic discussion and approval

2d. Receive and integrate strategic feedback to improve proposal [if received]

2e. Implement revised system architecture according to implementation timeline

2f. Maintain and update system architecture

3. Documented Data Process

Tasks:


3a. Draft data flow documentation, including data reporting timeline

3b. Present for technical discussion and approval

3c. Receive and integrate technical feedback to improve proposal

3d. Publish, maintain and update data process documentation

4. Accessibility

Tasks:


4a. Data standardisation: define and publish all data standards

4b. Data standardisation: Development of new datastreams in line with existing standards

4c. Metadata: continued development and maintenance of both data and information metadata

4d. Metadata: Development of an assessment metadata portal

4e. Metadata: inclusion of OSPAR metadata in centralised metadata portals

4f. Feedback to relevant groups on data reporting compliance

4g. Publication of data according to reporting timeline and in accordance with data/information policy

5. Integration with other priority activities

Tasks:


5a. Continued engagement in relevant data fora

5b. Continued development of data and information, and associated deliverables, in support of priority activities

6. Communication of OSPAR data and information

Tasks:


6a. Continued outreach to support community understanding of OSPAR, OSPAR data and information, to support reuse

7. Development Programme

Tasks:


7a. Maintain a structured programme of proposed developments for OSPAR data and information

7b. Periodic presentation and refinement on the proposed developments based on priorities

7c. Work towards IODE Associate Data Unit accreditation

8. Ongoing Maintenance of Data and Information

Tasks:


8a. Maintenance of persistent online data/information archive

8b. Adaptation and development of portals to accommodate any new datastreams

8c. Security of technology and protection of data